Danielle Laidley assesses every Fremantle and West Coast player after an unsuccessful opening weekend. See who starred and who struggled, including a Doig Medallist who’s at the bottom of the Dockers’ ratings.
Danielle Laidley
After the season really kicked off with a bumper round one, The West Australian’s Mitchell Woodcock takes a no-holds-barred look at the weekend of action.
Mitchell Woodcock
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has lamented the first 45 minutes of his side’s 59-point loss to Gold Coast, saying they got beaten by what they expected from the Suns.
West Coast debutant Milan Murdock has opened up on his stunning first game at AFL level, revealing the fact he had achieved his dream of reaching the top level was a long way from fully sinking in.
Josh Kempton
West Coast’s pessimistic fans would have seen plenty of evidence to support their viewpoint in the first game of the year, but those who see the glass as half-full may have too, writes Josh Kempton.
For a half, it was looking like total disaster, but West Coast at least showed some fight to finish in their 59-point loss to Gold Coast.
West Coast produced a vastly-improved second-half effort, but still succumbed to a 59-point hammering at the hands of Gold Coast. See how we summed up every Eagle in three words here!
Chris Robinson
Liam Ryan has wasted no time in taking to the skies for his new club, with the former Eagle producing an early Mark of the Year contender in St Kilda’s clash with Melbourne. WATCH IT HERE
West Coast started their 2026 campaign with four debutants but were taught a lesson by top-four fancies Gold Coast. Recap all the action from our blog.
Aaron Kirby
West Coast had one of the toughest seasons possible in 2025, but their fortunes are looking more optimistic heading into this year and one pivotal off-field move has set the platform for improvement.
West Coast captain Liam Duggan says it feels like ‘a new club’ at the Eagles as they prepare to unveil four debutants in their season opener against Gold Coast.
West Coast will be hoping to rebound from their worst season on record in 2025 with plenty of fresh faces and young talent. Meet every Eagle set to take the field in 2026.
West Coast captain Liam Duggan has backed ‘ultimate professional’ Tim Kelly to work his way back into the Eagles’ best 23 after he was a surprise omission from their season opener.
Optus Stadium isn’t hosting soccer this weekend but it’s not available for Fremantle or West Coast either, and that puts heaps of pressure on both clubs to start the season well, writes Craig O’Donoghue.
Craig O'Donoghue
To pigeonhole Josh Lindsay as just a lethal left foot would be an injustice to the broader skillset that has him touted as a future star for West Coast.
West Coast veteran Tim Kelly will start the season on the outer after missing selection for the Eagles’ season opener against Gold Coast on Sunday.
No one is giving West Coast a chance this weekend, but Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick says the Suns must be prepared for a fight from the Eagles’ young guns.
Jake Santa Maria
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter says Milan Murdock’s incredible WAFL resume has him confident the pre-season signing can have an immediate impact on debut.
West Coast are coming off a one-win season and are set for more pain in 2026, but optimism is growing the club's rebuild is well and truly on track.
Justin Chadwick
CAPTAIN’S LETTER: See what Liam Baker wants West Coast supporters to know as he begins his first season at the helm in 2026.
Liam Baker
The wife of a former AFL legend has denied a young girl stayed at their home, as he fights historical child sex abuse charges in court.
Emma Kirk
For players, round one seems less important than finals, but for some reason more significant than any other home-and-away game, writes Xavier Ellis.
Xavier Ellis
West Coast will unveil a quartet of AFL debutants this weekend - their most in any match since Peter Matera and Dean Kemp were unleashed all the way back in 1990. See the details here!
West Coast are the least likely side to win an AFL season opener in more than a decade, according to bookmakers - but Andrew McQualter remains bullish on their chances.
Mitchell Woodcock & Chris Robinson
