West Coast midfielder Jack Graham says the Eagles need to get to work as a collective to improve after a tough loss to Greater Western Sydney.

The Eagles were well-beaten by one of the flag fancies, despite some glimpses from emerging players, and are determined to get better before facing Carlton in Gather Round.

“It’s about coming together and just getting the work done,” Graham said.

“We’re playing a new game plan and system, and it shows how important the execution role really is, and how one role links into another role.

“We need everyone executing for us to be able to play our game plan, so we’ll review it and get to work.

“We’ve had a few chats but today we will get out here and have a run around and then review it after training today.

“We’ll sit down and go through what didn’t really work, there will be some positives, but at the same time, it was a disappointing result.”

The Eagles’ midfield has had its struggles so far this season, but Graham said the spotlight should not just be on one line.

“It’s not just the midfield, it’s everyone really,” Graham said.

“The senior players and everyone need to put their hands up and get to work.

“We’re not happy where we are as a football club at the moment, there’s a lot of room for improvement, but we’ll get to work.”

Last week’s team saw the inclusion of three debutants, including teen midfielder Tom Gross, and the return of fellow young mid Clay Hall, and Graham said whoever is running through the middle, young or experienced, just needs to play their role.

“Whoever goes in there has got a job to do,” Graham said.

“Mini’ is going to try a few things here and there and whoever has got the responsibility has just got to play their role and get the job done.

“Not too sure what this week will look like, but we’ll just see what ‘Mini’ has got planned.”

Hailing from northern Adelaide, Graham is happy to spend some time back in his home state.

“It’s great, great for footy and great for the state,” Graham said.

“I’m happy to be back and to catch up with family, I’m looking forward to it.”

The annual Gather Round sees an extended road trip for the team, providing an opportunity for the players to spend more time together in a different environment.

“On the road together, it’s a good time to bond and get to know each other on a deeper level,” Graham said.

“I’ve been trying to show the boys around and telling them how good Adelaide is.”

The Eagles face Carlton on Saturday at Adelaide Oval, both teams vying for their first win of 2025.

“We go into every game thinking it’s winnable,” Graham said.  

“They are not in the position that they want to be in, and neither are we, so it will be a battle of both footy teams going hard at it trying to get the win.

“It’s going to be a hard contest, whoever can play four quarters with a solid game plan, that’s how you get the result.”