Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Jack Graham will miss Western Derby 63 between West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium on Friday night after being managed through the club’s demanding schedule.
Reports indicated the experienced midfielder had been dealing with a hamstring issue after last weekend’s defeat to Adelaide Crows. However, West Coast Eagles coach Andrew McQualter described the decision as workload management rather than confirming a fresh injury.
The decision arrives amid wider discussion about player workloads, with the AFL weighing shorter games as Carlton begins its coach search.
Eagles Protect Graham
“Two six-day breaks. He’s obviously missed a fair chunk of footy, so we’ll make sure he’s right for the rest of the season,” Andrew McQualter said.
“You lose experience, but it just gives opportunity to other guys and we’ll have some guys come into the team that are fit and excited.”
Jack Graham also missed the opening derby of 2026 because of the shoulder injury that sidelined him for nine matches. A four-game suspension kept him out of the second derby last season.
Leadership Group Stretched
West Coast Eagles will field only three members of their seven-player leadership group against Fremantle Dockers. Co-captain Liam Baker will also miss the match after the club accepted his one-game suspension.
Reuben Ginbey remains injured, while Matt Flynn is outside the senior side. Those absences leave West Coast Eagles short of experienced voices for one of the season’s most intense fixtures.