Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020

West Coast Eagles coach Andrew McQualter has said his side is clearly improved compared to last season after a strong five-week run in the 2026 AFL campaign, with the young team showing steady progress despite recent narrow defeats at Optus Stadium in Perth. The Eagles, on June 14, 2026, have won four games before the bye and pushed top sides close, highlighting their growing competitiveness and improved structure, which matters for their ongoing rebuild.

Strong signs despite close losses

West Coast beat Greater Western Sydney and Essendon during this stretch and came within a goal or less of Collingwood, Port Adelaide and North Melbourne. McQualter pointed to better pressure and forward-half time as key improvements.

“We’re a better team than we were last year,” he said, noting there is still room for growth.

The Eagles’ late-game execution remains a concern after back-to-back tight defeats, but the style is becoming more consistent.

Emerging game style

Former forward Nathan Brown noted West Coast are building a faster handball-based system similar to top AFL sides, with quicker movement out of congestion and improved midfield chemistry.

McQualter on development

McQualter said close-game training is still developing, as the club prioritised structure over late-game scenarios earlier in the season.