Ex-Eagle says 'conservative and vanilla' AFL club's main focus is money
Former West Coast Eagles player Sharrod Wellingham says the club has become complacent because of its financial might and needs to refocus on winning games.
Former West Coast midfielder Sharrod Wellingham expressed concern that the Eagles have become conservative and focused on money rather than on-field success. The club finished 16th in the 2026 season with only four wins, bringing their total to 15 since the 2022 campaign. Wellingham, in an interview on 102.5 ABC Perth's SportsTalk program, attributed this shift to the club's off-field financial success and suggested that the "invisible board" likely plays a significant role.
He warned that West Coast could follow the path of other historically successful clubs that have since faded into irrelevance, like Essendon. Wellingham noted several high-profile changes at the club, including the appointment of Don Pyke as CEO, Andrew McQualter as coach, and Elizabeth Gaines as chair of the board, but concluded that they haven't made a noticeable difference.
He criticized a decision to trade pick three in 2024 for Liam Baker from Richmond, which he believes resulted in the Eagles losing out on another talented player. Wellingham emphasized the need for more aggression and ruthlessness within the club, stating that it currently lacks "swag." He questioned what will drive change within the organization, emphasizing that while good people and a sound culture are essential, a certain level of ruthlessness is also necessary.
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