After an extensive and thorough process the West Coast Eagles today appointed Andrew McQualter as the club’s next AFL senior coach on a three-year contract.

McQualter, who has a comprehensive coaching resume which includes being a key pillar in three Richmond premierships alongside Damien Hardwick, was yesterday informed by Chief Executive Officer Don Pyke that he was the successful applicant.

“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,” 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.”

01:59

Meet the McQualter family

Former Richmond and Melbourne assistant coach Andrew McQualter joins the Eagles as their new AFL senior coach

McQualter had a taste of the senior coaching role when he was interim coach at Richmond in 2023 after Hardwick stepped down mid-season. He coached 13 games for a 7-6 winning record.

He had previously assumed a variety of roles during the Tigers’ dynasty as he took charge of the midfield and stoppages, the forward line and was responsible for the ball movement strategy between 2017 and 2023.

He also spent four seasons as a development coach with Richmond’s VFL team between 2013 and 2016, and has been an assistant coach at Melbourne in 2024.

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 38-year-old, who played 94 senior games with St Kilda and Gold Coast, will relocate with his young family in the coming months.

He will become just the seventh AFL senior coach in the 38-year history of the club.

The club will hold a press conference this afternoon to formally introduce and welcome Andrew to the West Coast Eagles.