West Coast Eagles' Coach Looks to AFLW Star for Revival Strategy Amidst Struggles

Andrew McQualter, the coach of the West Coast Eagles, aims to draw upon the expertise of AFLW icon Daisy Pearce to rejuvenate the men’s team, which has been struggling at one of the lowest points in the club's history. With a dismal record of just 11 wins since 2022 and facing their second wooden spoon in three years, the Eagles are seeking a priority pick from the AFL to aid their rebuilding efforts, a move that has provoked backlash from fans and analysts due to the team’s past successes in 2018 and 2020.

In a difficult rookie season, McQualter is eager to accelerate the team's turnaround. He announced that tapping into Pearce's experience as the head coach of the women's team, who recently achieved the best record in the club's AFLW history, will be integral to their strategy. Pearce, having previously served as a development coach at Geelong, expressed her enthusiasm for collaborating with McQualter and is keen to strengthen the connections between both teams while also enhancing her own coaching capabilities.

McQualter has articulated the criteria for requesting a priority pick, highlighting the Eagles’ four-year performance and past challenges. He believes they are eligible for this assistance and is determined to apply for it as a potential pathway to improvement. Even if their application is denied, the Eagles are positioned to secure the first two picks in the upcoming national draft, a crucial move as they prepare for the future. However, they will face challenges as key player Harley Reid is sidelined for the remainder of the season, putting the team in a precarious position ahead of their upcoming match against Melbourne at Docklands Stadium.