West Coast season 2025 preview: Eliza Reilly breaks down where the Eagles sit

West Coast’s new coach, Andrew McQualter has a big job ahead of him - the first being, lock down their most important player in Harley Reid. ELIZA REILLY previews West Coast’s season.

Where do the Eagles sit?

Harley Reid transformed West Coast in 2024, injecting some much needed spark and a touch of arrogance into a club that had lost its competitive edge.

So how does new coach Andrew McWalter manage this precocious talent? And can he awaken the AFL’s sleeping giant from the West?

Eliza Reilly analyses where the Eagles are at, where they’re headed and everything in between.

Brady Hough has emerged as one of the best lockdown defenders in the AFL. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

SURPRISE PACKET OF 2024

Brady Hough has emerged as one of the best lockdown defenders in the AFL and was recognised with a 5th place finish in the John Worsfold medal. Hough was only 74kg when he was drafted from Peel Thunder back in 2021. Now, he’s capable of locking down on some of the league’s best small forwards, keeping the likes of Charlie Cameron, Tom Papley and Willie Rioli goalless. Given how much footy the Eagles’ backline has seen in recent years, Hough’s underrated ascension is a big asset for new coach Andrew McQualter.

INS AND OUTS

IN: Bo Allan (No.16 draft pick), Liam Baker (trade, Richmond), Malakai Champion (Category B rookie), Hamish Davis (No.65 draft pick), Jack Graham (free agent, Richmond), Luca Greggo (No.48 draft pick), Tom Gross (No.46 draft pick), Matt Owies (trade, Carlton), Jobe Shanahan (No.30 draft pick)

OUT: Jordyn Baker (delisted), Tom Barrass (trade, Hawthorn), Coby Burgiel (delisted), Jai Culley (delisted), Jack Darling (trade, North Melbourne), Luke Edwards (delisted), Andrew Gaff (retired), Jamaine Jones (delisted), Josh Rotham (delisted), Zane Trew (delisted), Alex Witherden (delisted)

WHO’S PLAYING FOR A CONTRACT?

West Coast free agent Oscar Allen will attract interest from rival clubs as the Eagles hold off on a long-term deal after a series of contract misfires involving veteran players. Allen and the Eagles are set to recommence contract talks shortly and the co-captain’s preference is to remain at the club. But the length of his new contract is set to be the sticking point in negotiations given Allen will have to manage a knee issue for the remainder of his career. The 25-year-old played just 11 games last season but kicked 53 goals in 2023 when he stayed the course. A big pay day looms if he can stay on the park.

LAST YEAR IN CONTRACT

It’s set to be a busy season for West Coast’s list management team with 16 Eagles coming out of contract at the end of 2025. Besides the aforementioned Allen, the next biggest name on the list is midfielder Tim Kelly. The 30-year-old joined the Eagles from Geelong on a six-year deal reported to be worth around $800,000 a season and West Coast can’t afford to fork out that much to keep him. There’s been whispers of some rival interest and he could be one to watch if he overcomes a series of niggles that limited his output last season. Jeremy McGovern is out of contract but just won his maiden John Worsfold Medal at age 32. Fellow veterans Jamie Cripps and Dom Sheed are on the brink. It’s a make or break season for Campbell Chesser and Jack Petruccelle. While the likes of youngsters Tyler Brockman, Tyrell Dewar, Rhett Bazzo, Loch Rawlinson, Jack Hutchinson, Coen Livingstone and Callum Jamieson will be hoping to extend their stay at the Eagles. Tom Cole and

Jayden Hunt shape as depth re-signings.

POSITION THAT NEEDS TO BE FILLED AND WHO CAN FILL IT?

Perhaps the most intriguing positional battle this pre-season will be the battle for the No.1 ruck role. The Eagles were elated to prise Matt Flynn out of GWS as a free agent in the 2023 trade period but he played just four games last season due to injury and form woes. Flynn was set to make his club debut in round only to suffer a freak hamstring injury at training that required surgery. The 27-year- old played his first game in round 13 but hurt his ankle a month later. In his absence, Bailey Williams shouldered West Coast’s ruck responsibility and was playing well enough to keep Flynn out of the side when he returned from injury. That’s despite Williams originally being touted for a forward/ruck role supporting Flynn. Both players have their strengths and who gets the nod will impact West Coast’s midfield set-up.

BURNING QUESTION

Harley Reid has already become the face of West Coast after just one season and how the Eagles manage the precocious talent is one of Andrew McQualter’s first big tests. The No.1 pick transformed West Coast, injecting some much needed spark and a touch of arrogance into a club that had lost its competitive edge. Now the challenge is to keep him. Reid will want to see on-field improvement before committing in an extension. But there’s also an onus on him to back up his incredible debut season. Reid has already been forced to contend with a concussion and lower leg soreness this pre-season, a less than ideal start given he’s admitted he wants to improve his fitness. The 19-year-old is an indispensable part of West Coast’s rebuild but how they manage him will determine how quickly the Eagles climb the ladder again.