{
  "id": 5894596,
  "title": "Ex-Eagle says 'conservative and vanilla' AFL club's main focus is money",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/ex-eagle-says-conservative-and-vanilla-afl-clubs-main-focus-is-money-5894596",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-06T02:55:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-06/former-eagle-sharrod-wellingham-lashes-west-coast-afl/107120494"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former West Coast midfielder Sharrod Wellingham has criticized the current state of the club, stating that it has become conservative and focused on money rather than on-field success. After a disappointing 2026 season, West Coast finished 16th with only four wins since 2022. Wellingham, who previously played for Collingwood and joined the Eagles in 2013, believes the club's focus is on its off-field success and financial stability. He warns that West Coast is at risk of following in the footsteps of other historically successful clubs that have lost their edge, such as Essendon. Despite recent 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, Wellingham feels that little has changed. The club's decision to trade away their pick three in 2024 to secure Liam Baker from Richmond, a move that ultimately cost them the services of Jagga Smith, is cited as an example of poor decision-making. Wellingham emphasizes the need for ruthlessness and a more aggressive approach to turn the club around.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "Ex-Eagle says 'conservative and vanilla' AFL club's main focus is money",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/ex-eagle-says-conservative-and-vanilla-afl-clubs-main-focus-is-money",
        "published": "2026-09-06T02:55:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}