West Coast Eagles appoint Andrew McQualter as new senior coach

While the AFL season proper may have wrapped up with a dominant win to Brisbane Lions over the weekend, there’s still plenty play out in 2024 including the official Trade Period kicking off on October 7.

And one of the biggest questions still hanging over the competition was answered this morning with the West Coast Eagles finally naming the successor to Adam Simpson as their senior coach, Andrew McQualter.

The former Richmond and Melbourne assistant was one of “three exceptional candidates” assessed in recent weeks by a special committee headed up by Eagles Chief Executive Officer Don Pyke.

“We believe Andrew has the professional and personal qualities and experience required to guide our team. We are excited to have someone of his calibre leading our football program forward,” said Pyke.

“We were in a fortunate position where we had three exceptional candidates short-listed with Andrew possessing the credentials and vision needed to help us make strong progress.”

McQualter has signed a three-year contract, and arrives with an impressive resume that includes an assistant with Richmond during their three premiership dynasty over 2017-2020, and was the interim coach at Richmond last year when Damien Hardwick left the club mid-season.

“I have been working towards this moment for the last 10 years and I’m thrilled to be appointed as coach of the West Coast Eagles,” McQualter said.

“I am aware that there is much work to do and I am definitely up for that. There is some exciting young talent at the club with a mix of outstanding players and I couldn’t be more excited to get over there and get to work with them.”

The Eagles will hold an official press conference this afternoon to formally introduce their new senior coach.

Image Credit: AFL Photos