Why new West Coast coach Andrew McQualter refuses to buy into claims he's taking the poisoned chalice
Updated . First published at
New West Coast Eagles coach Andrew McQualter has admitted he had no idea the job was his until last night.
But 24 hours after finding out the job was his, the former Melbourne and Richmond assistant was whisked into the hot seat out west.
And he's refusing to buy into suggestions that he's being handed a poisoned chalice.
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"We were in country Victoria, driving back in the rain when Don (Pyke, CEO) called," McQualter revealed on Monday.
"I think I went sideways off the side of the road and answered the call and then, here we are.
Andrew McQualter, new West Coast coach, speaks to players. Getty
"It's been a heavy 24 hours."
It's definitely not going to be all easy for the former Richmond interim coach, who has been part of successful times with the Tigers and Demons.
He'll take over a floundering Eagles side who finished 16th on the ladder after sacking coach Adam Simpson with just six rounds remaining.
Yet McQualter doesn't buy into suggestions that he has been handed over a death sentence by joining the lowly Eagles.
New Eagles coach Andrew McQualter speaks to the media. Getty
"I thought that this was an incredible job," he said.
The former St Kilda player also has experience leading a side.
McQualter took over from former Richmond coach Damien Hardwick in the middle of the 2023 season, leading the Tigers for 13 weeks.
He believes that brief period will hold him in good stead to take it on full time.
"I got a bit of a look at the job. I called it, one hand on the wheel, at the time," he said.
Harley Reid of the Eagles walks off the field at half time during the round 19 AFL match between St Kilda Saints and West Coast Eagles. via Getty Images
"With this job, there will be two hands and we'll try hold on as best we can."
"That's what we're here to do, we're here to win games of football. That's our job."
McQualter also made a promise to start fresh with a new game plan.
"I'm really clear on the way I want the game to look and play," he said.
The Eagles leave the field after their loss to Hawthorn. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"It will be different to the way West Coast has played for the last little while. That should be really exciting for the guys (players) in this room.
"We will create a style that suits us and puts us in the best position to win games of football.
"There's not that huge difference between teams in the AFL. The gap is not that big."
