AFLW senior coach Michael Prior wishes to address comments from his post-match media conference after the West Coast Eagles were defeated by reigning premier Narrm by 70 points at Mineral Resources Park on Sunday.

“I would like to acknowledge my comments regarding the AFLW fixturing were unacceptable after our game against Narrm,” Prior said.

“It was a disappointing performance and I was frustrated but that does not excuse my comments and they do not reflect the club’s position. I take full responsibility.

“Narrm are the benchmark in AFLW and credit to them for the way they played.

“As one of the youngest lists in the competition, taking on the reigning premier was a challenge our squad will learn from as we aspire to climb the AFLW ladder, and there were positives from many of our exciting developing players like Charlie Thomas and Ella Roberts.

“I can assure West Coast members and supporters that our players, coaches and staff are working incredibly hard behind the scenes to fast-track our growth and drive the elite standards that will take our group to the next level.

“We need to close the gap to the best teams and our first half against the Demons was indicative of the pressure and effort we need to bring against the elite sides.

“Every opportunity to compete against the best teams is an opportunity to learn and get better and that is what we will be aiming to do in our final three matches this season.”

The Eagles travel to play Essendon at Windy Hill in round eight on Sunday.