West Coast appoint Andrew McQualter as senior coach ending months long search

Andrew McQualter has been announced as the seventh coach in West Coast history, signing a three-year deal at the club.

The former Richmond caretaker coach was announced as Adam Simpson’s successor, edging out Hayden Skipworth and Steven King to take the reins until at least the end of 2027.

“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,” Eagles chief executive Don Pyke said.

“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.

“We welcome Andrew, Jane, Emily, Alice and Georgia to our West Coast family.”

McQualter, 38, has already had a taste of senior coaching experience, taking over from Damien Harwick as Richmond caretaker coach last season where he led the Tigers to seven wins in their last 13 games.

The former St Kilda and Gold Coast player has a wealth of coaching experience, having been in charge of the midfield and stoppages, forward line and responsible for ball movement during between 2017 and 2023.

He was also a development coach with Richmond’s VFL side from 2013 to 2016 and most recently served as Melbourne assistant coach this year.

McQualter said he was thrilled to receive the opportunity and is looking forward to relocating to Perth and starting his journey at West Coast.

“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 decision comes after a lengthy process that was led by Pyke and included directors Jan Cooper and Rowan Jones as well as football boss Gavin Bell and two-time Geelong premiership star Harry Taylor.

McQualter could be one of several Richmond products to join West Coast this off-season with the club looking to trade in Tigers vice-captain Liam Baker who has requested a trade back to WA as well as free agent Jack Graham.

Not long after McQualter’s appointment reports were Baker would nominate the Eagles as his preferred home, while Graham is reported to have a four-year deal on the table to join the Eagles.

The free agency period opens on Friday.