Who is Andrew McQualter? Everything you need to know about West Coast’s new senior coach

From his player career, to his various connections to West Coast and why he’s called ‘Mini’.

Here’s everything you need to know about new Eagles coach Andrew McQualter.

1. McQualter played 94 games of AFL football (89 for St Kilda, five for Gold Coast)

2. He played in three AFL grand finals (2009 and 2x2010)

3. Was drafted with pick No.17 in the 2004 draft by St Kilda

4. McQualter captained the Victorian Country Under-16 and Under-18 teams

5. McQualter has had the nickname “Mini” since he was a child for being a mini version of his older brother Tom

6. He is 38-years-old

7. McQaulter was raised in Traralgon, Victoria

8. He made is AFL debut against West Coast in 2005 gathering 16 disposals

9. Boarded at Caulfield Grammar alongside future St Kilda teammate Brendon Goddard

10. He wore the No.32 while at St Kilda before switching to 51. at Gold Coast

11. McQualter was delisted by St Kilda in 2007 but redrafted as a rookie that year

12. In his brief delisting he trained for four weeks with Hawthorn

13. He beat West Coast as Richmond’s interim coach in 2023 at Optus Stadium

14. He started as a development coach at West Coast in 2013

15. McQualter played an important role in the Tigers’ three premierships as an assistant coach

16. His wife’s name is Jane

17. McQualter has three daughters — Emily, Alice and Georgia

18. Kicked his first goal against Port Adelaide

19. Never polled a Brownlow vote

20. Missed out on the Richmond coaching gig to Adem Yze

21. He was a decent cricketer in his youth representing in Caulfield Grammar’s First XI side alongside Goddard

22. Got his first win as senior coach against GWS in round 12, 2023

23. Was a teammate to current Eagles forward Jamie Cripps for three games in his final season at St Kilda

24. Played in three wins from five games against West Coast as a player

25. Is the seventh full-time coach of West Coast in their 38-year history