Michael Prior steps down as coach of West Coast AFLW side

After a post-match rant two weeks ago and three battling seasons, the West Coast AFLW coach has stepped down.

Michael Prior has stepped aside as West Coast Eagles coach. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

West Coast AFLW coach Michael Prior has stepped down for his position just weeks after apologising for a post-match rant.

Prior has been in charge of the Eagles for three seasons and said he had already made the decision to step aside before his comments that questioned why his lowly ranked side had to play reigning premiers Melbourne.

The Eagles have won just five of 28 games since Prior took over and sit third from bottom on the ladder having registered just two wins so far this season.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the role as senior coach of this amazing group,” Prior said on Wednesday.

“There is exciting upside for these players moving forward, but after three seasons I believe it is time for a new voice.

Senior coach Michael Prior will step down effective immediately. https://t.co/syM0Ft4nI4

— West Coast Eagles AFLW (@eaglesaflw) October 25, 2023

“I made the decision earlier in the season that this would be my last as senior coach and I believe the time is right to now step aside. I’ll leave on a high after being a part of an exciting win at Windy Hill on Sunday.

“I would like to thank the players and staff for their support over the last three seasons and I look forward to seeing their continued growth.”

Prior apologised for his “unacceptable” comments after his side’s heavy defeat to Melbourne when he said it was “frustrating” that his side had been drawn to play against the reigning premiers.

“The side that won it is playing the side that came last. I just don’t understand that part of it and we need to look at it,” he said.

Despite stepping down from his coaching role, Prior is set to remain at the club in a game development role.

Club chief executive Trevor Nisbett acknowledged Prior’s contribution in his three seasons at the helm.

“Michael assumed the role in difficult circumstances where our AFLW team played two seasons in the same year,” Nisbett said.

“I would like to thank him for his commitment to the program and for the role he has played in shaping what we believe is a squad capable of evolving into a formidable team.

“We will play out the season and then navigate our way forward as we search for a senior coach.”