West Coast coach Andrew McQualter is confident star spearhead Jake Waterman’s goal-kicking will come good as the forward works through an apparent case of the yips.

Waterman has been a strong marking target for the Eagles this season and sits 11th in the Coleman Medal race with 28 majors, but his issues in front of goals are costing West Coast dearly.

The star forward has kicked 34 behinds and has a conversion rate of 45.2 per cent from 62 shots, the lowest of anyone in the top 35 goalkickers league-wide, that is hurting his side.

The Eagles kicked six behinds to their two goals in the final term of their narrow one-goal defeat to Port Adelaide on Saturday night, with Waterman kicking two of those.

McQualter said the 28-year-old was working hard behind the scenes and said he was confident it was only a matter of time before Waterman found his mojo in front of the big sticks.

“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,” he 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.”

Crosstown rival and Dockers spearhead Josh Treacy is the only forward to have taken more marks than Waterman through 13 rounds.

The Eagle was named All-Australian in 2024 after kicking 58 goals and was one of the most reliable forwards in the game.

A shoulder reconstruction ruined his 2025 campaign, and while he has recaptured his form, his goalkicking is a major work in progress.

His teammates have also backed Waterman to refind his radar, co-captain Liam Duggan saying it would “turn” for him.