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West Coast chief executive Don Pyke says the Eagles will use every avenue available to improve one-win list

West Coast chief executive Don Pyke says the Eagles will use every avenue available to improve one-win list

West Australian5 days ago
West Coast chief executive Don Pyke has pledged the club will use every lever available to them to improve their list at the end of the season.
It comes as the dual premiership Eagle conceded they had 'not won often enough' as they stare down a dire one-victory season for the first time in club history.
Pyke addressed the members and fans in an open letter on Wednesday, where he thanked them for their support in another difficult year.
The Eagles have won only 11 of their past 86 games since the start of 2022 in the darkest on-field period in the proud club's history.
And there doesn't seem to be a return to September action in sight any time soon as they prepare to claim the third wooden spoon.
Last year the Eagles traded in Liam Baker (Richmond) and Matt Owies (Carlton), while they also signed Jack Graham (Richmond) as a free agent to bolster their list.
They also brought in five players through the national draft — Bo Allan, Jobe Shanahan, Tom Gross, Lucca Grego and Hamish Davis — as well as Malakai Champion as a next generation academy as a category-B rookie and former Gold Coast-listed backman Sandy Brock through the pre-season supplement selection period as part of a massive list overhaul.
In his second season as CEO, Pyke said they would once again look to use every avenue at their disposal to improve their list.
'The club will again use every available lever of draft, trade and free agency at the end of the season to strengthen our playing list,' he wrote.
'Pleasingly, our next generation of players are maturing and developing, with Brady Hough, Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett, Harry Edwards and Harley Reid consistently impressing.
'There is plenty to be excited about from recent draftees Jobe Shanahan, Tyrell Dewar, Bo Allan, Tom Gross, Clay Hall, Malakai Champion, Archer Reid and Tom McCarthy who have shown enough in their early opportunities to indicate plenty of good AFL football lies ahead.'
Pyke said they backed the path they were on despite the lack of on-field results so far in 2025.
'While we have not won often enough, we have seen encouraging performances, particularly against top four contenders Brisbane, Geelong and Collingwood, and there has been progress,' he said.
'We know we have a lot of work to do to lift ourselves back up the ladder, but we believe in the path we are on and appreciate your support.
'Our new senior coach Andrew McQualter has led the team with commitment and energy, built a strong connection with our players and is establishing a clear style of play.
'While we have not won often enough, we have seen encouraging performances, particularly against top four contenders Brisbane, Geelong and Collingwood, and there has been progress.
'Every game between now and the end of the season is an opportunity to take steps forward and everyone in our football department are determined to get better quickly.'
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