West Coast has taken a significant step in reviewing its performance early this week as the club aims to recover from a challenging April, during which it failed to win a single quarter. This period saw two heavy defeats, with margins exceeding 100 points, despite the team winning two of the first four games and showing signs of progress.
On Friday, Andrew McQualter, the coach of West Coast, shared his confidence in the team’s ability to rebound at home against Richmond, a fellow struggling side that remains winless in 2026.
“We had a really strong player-led review on Tuesday, so they’ve taken ownership of it and our leaders demanded a better effort in the game,” McQualter said. “We think we’re getting a great output from our young players. They’re playing a high level of football.”
Several key players are set to return for the upcoming match. Among them are Harry Schoenberg and Tom Cole. Schoenberg will be wearing a helmet following two recent concussions, while Cole has made a positive impact after being omitted from the team in Round 1.
Cole, who had been a consistent presence in the lineup for the past two seasons, was given a chance to improve his form by playing in the WAFL. His performance there was commendable, and he has since earned his place back in the team.
“We spoke to Coley when he went out of the team about little parts of his game to keep working on. He went back to the WAFL, was a great leader down there, and improved his form so he deserves his opportunity,” McQualter said. “He really provides great balance, he’s a great teammate to play with, and understands our defensive system really strongly. So it will be great to have ‘Coley’ back in the team.”
McQualter also emphasized the importance of starting the game strongly to boost the confidence of the younger players.
“We’ve probably lacked that at times when you’ve walked in and feel like you’ve played okay, but the scoreboard’s against you. So we’ll try to ensure we start well tomorrow,” McQualter added. “We’ve tried a lot of different things this year. We’ve tried a lot of different things in the lead-up to the game, and we’re trying to find the right mixture.”
The team is focused on making adjustments and finding the right approach to secure a much-needed victory. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, West Coast is looking to turn their season around and show improvement on the field.
Key points to consider for the upcoming match:
- Player Review: The team conducted a thorough review, allowing players to take ownership of their performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Returning Players: Harry Schoenberg and Tom Cole are set to make their returns, bringing valuable experience and leadership to the team.
- Focus on Start: McQualter highlighted the need for a strong start to build confidence and momentum for the young squad.
- Adjustments and Experimentation: The team has been experimenting with different strategies and approaches throughout the season, aiming to find the best combination for success.
With these elements in place, West Coast is determined to bounce back and prove their capabilities on the field. The upcoming match against Richmond presents an opportunity to showcase their growth and resilience.
