Who is new West Coast head coach Andrew McQualter?

September 30, 2024 — 3.41pm

Andrew McQualter will be West Coast’s seventh head coach after signing a three-year deal.

He served as an assistant coach at Richmond and Melbourne and led the Tigers for 13 games as interim coach, after playing 94 AFL games.

Port Adelaide senior coach Ken Hinkley (left) and Andrew McQualter when he was Richmond interim coach.Credit: Getty Images

He won the Eagles’ big job after being shortlisted alongside Collingwood assistant coach Hayden Skipworth and Geelong assistant Steven King.

McQualter, 38, replaces 2018 premiership coach Adam Simpson, who left in July this year.

What have been his most recent roles in AFL?

McQualter arrived at Melbourne this year after having spent 10 years in a range of roles at Richmond. He was an assistant coach at Melbourne during the 2024 season.

He joined the Tigers ahead of the 2014 season in a development coaching role under Mark Williams before moving into a line-coaching position in 2017.

McQualter was caretaker coach at Richmond when Damien Hardwick stepped down in the middle of 2023 and impressed with his people-management skills, but the Tigers opted for Adem Yze as an outsider (from the Demons) who brought fresh perspectives.

When and where did he play?

McQualter is a former St Kilda player who played in the Saints’ 2009 and 2010 grand finals, including the draw of 2010, under Ross Lyon.

Brodie Martin of the Crows gets a handpass away while being tackled by McQualter.Credit: Getty Images

He was drafted to St Kilda at No. 17 in the 2004 draft and debuted for St Kilda in Round 8 of the 2005 season against the West Coast Eagles at Subiaco in Perth, with 16 possessions. He also played five games for Gold Coast.

McQualter has played in five grand finals.

Impact on trade period

McQualter’s appointment could help the Eagles land some key trade targets, with Richmond’s Liam Baker, Shai Bolton and Jack Graham all weighing offers from the Eagles.

Baker and Bolton have both requested trades to a West Australian club, while Graham is also considering a move and McQualter has strong ties to the experienced trio from his time at the Tigers.

McQualter led the Tigers in 2023.Credit: Getty Images

Another dual premiership Tiger, Shai Bolton, has also asked for a trade to WA but has been linked to Fremantle.

“I’m ready to crack in, the trade period starts next week and I am sure the [Eagles] guys have done a whole heap of work behind the scenes,” McQualter said.

“We will be looking to improve the list as much as we can, whether that is via trade or the draft.”

What did Eagles chief executive Don Pyke say?

“We believe Andrew has the professional and personal qualities and experience required to guide our team,” Pyke said in a statement.

“We are excited to have someone of his calibre leading our football program forward.

“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.

“Andrew has a firm vision of what needs to be done and is ready to embrace the opportunity of being an AFL senior coach.”

Should fans expect a better result next year?

The Eagles finished 16th, 18th and 17th in the past three seasons.

McQualter is ready to “crack in” to lift the club from its doldrums.

“I have looked really closely at the list over the last few months whilst in the process for this job,” he said in an interview released by the Eagles ahead of a media conference later on Monday.

“And there’s actually a lot of excitement there for me.