FORMER Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade made his final appearance at Whitten Oval on Friday to farewell players and staff after deciding not to coach out the 2011 season.

Eade decided against presiding over the remaining three games after the club announced on Wednesday his current contract would not be renewed.

After consulting former teammate Peter Schwab, mentor David Parkin and wife Wendy, Eade handed over the reins of the team to senior assistant Paul Williams on Thursday after initially considering finishing the year.

Captain Matthew Boyd, who was among the players who tried to convince Eade to stay after the announcement was made, said the group understood why he made the decision to cut himself loose.

"He thanked the players and the staff for the time at the footy club," Boyd said after Williams' first training session in charge on Friday.

"Obviously he loves this place and it's sad to see him go but he wanted to just have that farewell, it was one that he deserved.

"I think all the players fully understand the circumstances he was under, and we respect his decision not to go on.

"It would have been pretty tough for him to come back and coach out the remainder of the season."

Boyd, who was in his first year in 2002 when former coach Terry Wallace resigned with one game to go and Peter Rhode took over, said it had been a challenging week for those involved at the club.

"Obviously I've got a personal connection with Rocket, he's been here for a long time and I really appreciate all the things he's done for the footy club," he said.

"I think he's been fantastic for the footy club so there was some emotion over the last 48 hours.

"Going forward, I think as players all we really need to do is back 'Willo', back the footy club's decision and continue on and try and get the most out of the remainder of the season."

Boyd said he hadn't considered the decision loomed, and the players were unaware of Eade's demise until they were told on Wednesday morning.

He also threw his support behind Williams, who was elevated from senior assistant and midfield coach to caretaker in place of Eade.

"He's been a fantastic assistant throughout the time he's been at the footy club," he said.

"He's been fantastic for me and he's worked really closely with the midfield group, and I'm really excited about the opportunity we've got under 'Willow', and the opportunity he's got to take the team forward for the next couple of weeks."

Williams said on Friday he would apply for the full time position, and would endeavour to use the next three weeks to tweak the defensive side of the Dogs' game, give young players specific roles and ensure the list was set up well for the upcoming pre-season.

Jennifer Witham covers Western Bulldogs news for the AFL Website. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenWitham.