Danielle Laidley: The glaring West Coast Eagles weakness that undermines stark improvement

In my opinion, Andrew McQualter deserves a tick for his first season as West Coast coach. He’s bought in a solid game plan, educated the players and many have jumped on board, albeit not consistently over four quarters. The coach has moved the magnets in search of a consistent ball-winning midfield — the team’s Achilles heel. Many players have been used in there, including former defender Brady Hough, former forward Jack Hutchison, free agent recruit Jack Graham and recent draftee Clay Hall. A lot of responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of emerging stars Harley Reid (37 games) and Elijah Hewett (29 games), despite the latter missing the entire 2024 season with injury. When they are involved in the game, the Eagles look dangerous forward and can hold up in defence. But there has been no Elliot Yeo, or Tim Kelly, to protect these young lads from the cut and thrust of being a full-time midfielder. At the end of the season, it will be “operation get ball-winning midfielders” either as top-end talent through the draft or via free agency or trades. In the first half on the weekend, particularly the first quarter, West Coast kicked 6.3, even though they were smashed in the clearance count, the Achilles heel raising its head again. This suggests other parts of the game were in good order. The ball movement was a little different, going with a kick mark method that saw them rack up 48 uncontested marks for the half. They defended with the ball in hand and also without the ball, registering a pressure rating of more than 200, causing repeat Port Adelaide turnovers. This led to the pile-on of goals. The Eagles’ defence looked a little different, with Liam Baker moved to the forward line with great effect. It left Tyrell Dewar and Tom McCarthy as the kickers from defence — and this looked very good. Another great innovation and experiment from the coach. Harry Edwards continues to grow as an intercepting defender. The pressure up the field allows him to play on his man but also read the play and guard dangerous space. Rhett Bazzo back into the side after injury, will continue to develop, along with Sandy Brock, who wasn’t in the team on Sunday but has done some good things and will continue to improve. Reuben Ginbey had his hands full up against Mitch Georgiades but has been superb all year. Here’s an interesting stat: After 17 games in 2025, West Coast have conceded only 72 points more than 2024, without Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass. That is outstanding development for this young defence. The future is bright if the midfield can break even, across games. The forward line has also had a major overhaul. Jobe Shanahan, geez there is something about this lad., Archer Reid also looks a player. Jack Williams with 41 games to his name has already matched his 16 goals from 2024, with games to play. This young forward line, without co-captain Oscar Allen and All-Australian Jake Waterman for much of the season, are scoring just half a goal a game less than the 2024 forward line. It’s happening before your eyes, West Coast fans, and this goal is proof. A great intercept mark by Bazzo who goes long down the line to Shanahan. He competes well, Baker wins the crumb, handballs to Tyler Brockman who taps the ball smartly to Matt Owies. He then kicks to a leading Bailey Williams, where the contest is crumbed by Malakai Champion who handballs to Shanahan, who gives it to Baker for a goal. The work rate from Shanahan and Baker in particular is enormous.