West Coast’s search for a new senior coach seems to be nearing its conclusion, with reports suggesting that Melbourne assistant Andrew McQualter has secured the position, edging out Collingwood’s Hayden Skipworth.
McQualter and Skipworth were reportedly the final two candidates under consideration by the Eagles, with Geelong midfield coach Steven King as the next option. While West Coast has yet to make an official announcement, a decision is expected within the next 24 hours, ahead of the free agency and trade periods, which begin on Friday, October 4.
McQualter, who previously worked with the trio at Punt Road, could play a significant role in securing their services in the upcoming off-season. After a successful stint as interim coach at Richmond, where he achieved a 7-6 record, McQualter moved to Melbourne as an assistant coach under Simon Goodwin after not securing the permanent senior role at Richmond.
According to AFL.com.au, “The club has narrowed its search to two Victorian-based assistant coaches with recent premiership experience. McQualter spent a decade at Richmond before joining Melbourne in 2024, while Skipworth played a key role in Collingwood’s 2023 premiership.”
Both coaches are seen as future senior prospects after gaining valuable experience across multiple clubs, impressing during their interviews conducted in preliminary final week.
West Coast CEO Don Pyke was in Melbourne last week to meet with McQualter, Skipworth, and King as the club worked to finalize its decision. The Eagles remain confident they will secure board approval for the appointment soon, despite initial setbacks when some key candidates chose not to apply.
Interviews were conducted by a panel that included Pyke, general manager of football Gavin Bell, Geelong great Harry Taylor, and directors Jan Cooper and Rowan Jones. Players considering trade and free agency moves to West Coast have been awaiting this coaching decision before making final commitments ahead of next month’s player movement period.
Richmond players Liam Baker and Shai Bolton have requested trades back to Western Australia but have yet to select a club, while Jack Graham is also weighing up an offer from the Eagles, delaying his decision due to the coaching vacancy.