West Coast Eagles fans react to Andrew McQualter’s appointment as next senior coach
Andrew McQualter’s appointment as West Coast’s new senior coach received an overwhelmingly positive response from Eagles fans following the highly-anticipated announcement.
McQualter was revealed as the successful candidate on Monday, beating out Collingwood assistant Hayden Skipworth and Geelong assistant Steven King to sign a three-year deal with the club.
The former Richmond caretaker and Melbourne assistant coach will succeed premiership coach Adam Simpson, who departed the club earlier this year.
Eagles fans echoed the club’s message of “Welcome to the West” on social media, while others simply congratulated McQualter, some referring to him by his nickname “Mini”.
There was plenty of support for the first-time senior coach, with fans voicing their approval of a fresh face at the helm.
“Awesome news!! Young innovative and vibrant coach to grow with the team!! Is it 2025 yet?,” Phil Sprigg said on the club’s Facebook page.
“Looking forward to a fresh start. Let’s get behind Andrew. Welcome on board,” Joe Lamhut said.
“Great decision with a younger coach, congrats Andrew welcome to the West, let the climbing begin back to our former glory, exciting times ahead,” Trevor Whitelaw said.
“What a fantastic appointment. Mastermind, great leader and ripping bloke. Welcome to our club Andrew, look forward or new era with you at the helm,” Anthony Pullella said.
“Probably a good move to get someone well outside of the Eagles ecosystem. Get some fresh philosophies at the club,” Daniel Mance said.
Shortly after McQualter’s appointment, Richmond premiership pair Liam Baker and Jack Graham nominated West Coast as their preferred club, with fans impressed by the coach’s strong player connections.
Camera IconWest Coast’s new senior coach Andrew McQualter. Credit: X formerly Twitter/X formely Twitter
“WOW two great players already heading our way. They must trust Andrew McQualter,” Marilyn McLeod said.
“The Richmond boys wanted him over Yze. The players love him. Did well in the interim role after Dimma. Our next premiership coach. Welcome aboard!,” Matty Brian said.
“Congrats Mini! Worst thing Richmond ever did was not giving you the top job. The players respected you. Good luck,” Dusty Jones said.
A contingent of West Coast fans were curious about the future of interim coach Jarrad Schofield, who stepped into the role for the final seven games of 2024 following Simpson’s departure.
It’s understood Schofield was in the conversation but McQualter, Skipworth and King were the final three candidates.
McQualter is now West Coast’s seventh coach in the club’s 38-year history and the first appointed under new chief executive Don Pyke.
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