Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Jake Waterman has received strong backing from West Coast Eagles coach Andrew McQualter as the key forward works through a costly goal-kicking slump.
Waterman has kicked 28 goals this AFL season and sits 11th in the Coleman Medal race, but his 34 behinds and 45.2 per cent conversion rate have hurt the Eagles in tight games.
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McQualter Backs Waterman To Respond
West Coast Eagles kicked 2.6 in the final quarter of their six-point loss to Port Adelaide, with Waterman adding two behinds in the tense finish.
The 28-year-old remains one of the club’s most important targets, with only Fremantle Dockers spearhead Josh Treacy taking more marks among forwards through 13 rounds.
“He’s doing some wonderful things for our team at the moment, and we’re probably not in a lot of the games we’re in without him,” McQualter told 7NEWS on Monday night.
“But obviously, having a little bit of a challenge finishing off some of his work. Rest assured, Jake’s working incredibly hard at this like he does every week, and he’s a great kick for goal, and it will turn for him if he keeps working hard.
“He’s such a warrior and competitor, and I think when he starts trying to withdraw from contests is when I’d be concerned.”
Eagles Need Accuracy To Match Effort
Waterman was an All-Australian in 2024 after kicking 58 goals and had built a reputation as one of the AFL’s most reliable forwards.
A shoulder reconstruction damaged his 2025 season, but his marking and work rate have returned strongly this year.
His finishing remains the missing piece for a West Coast Eagles side trying to turn competitive performances into wins.
Co-captain Liam Duggan has also backed Waterman to regain his touch, saying the forward’s accuracy would “turn” if he kept working. Official AFL updates are available through the AFL website.