Eagles coach Andrew McQualter has opened up on the “incredibly challenging” 48 hours his club endured before breaking through for an inspirational first victory in 2025.
Describing it as “one of the most emotional periods” of his life, McQualter praised the way the club rallied together following the tragic news of premiership Eagle Adam Selwood’s passing.
FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
“I just thought the way our players represented our football club today was something I am and we are incredibly proud of,” he said.
IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
“I thought we played the game in the right spirit.
“There’s no right way to do it (to get players minds on the game).
“We were just open, honest and raw. We let people have whatever feelings they had.
“When we got here today, we just asked people to play in the right spirit and put their emotions into being a great teammate like Adam was – and we got the performance we got.”
West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen bravely used his post-game chat with Fox Footy to urge anyone struggling with mental health to reach out for support.
“I know it’s great to win a game of footy, but we’ve lost a legend of our club and I just want to send all our love and support to the Selwood family,” he said.
“Mental health is such a massive thing in society at the moment.
“I struggled with me own mental battles this year.
“I’ve been so fortunate to have such a great support crew around me, to have my back throughout everything we’ve gone through.
“I just urge anyone out there who is struggling with anything, please reach out – helplines, friends, reach out to each other because we’re heartbroken.
“We just want to offer all the love and support we can to the Selwood family at this time.”
Sunday’s 28-point win over St Kilda was a long way from the “awful” Saturday players endured when they heard the news of Selwood’s tragedy.
“It was really difficult,” Eagles ruckman Matt Flynn told foxfooty.com.au
“A lot of the guys were coached by him … yesterday was a really tough day.
“There was a lot of emotion at the club.
“Our captain’s run felt really drained at the start of the day – it was a really awful day.
“We spoke about let’s play with pride, play with spirit. Put it on the line and attack every contest.”
The result ends a 281-day win drought for the club as West Coast avoided a 0-10 start for the first time in history.
If you or someone you knows needs assistance, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
Discussion about this post