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West Coast Eagles fans, brace yourselves! Following a historically challenging season, coach Andrew McQualter has emphatically declared the club is “in a rush to improve,” signalling a period of aggressive rebuilding and strategic acquisitions. The comments come after a season that saw the Eagles struggle to compete, prompting a widespread assessment of where improvements can be made.

McQualter, speaking candidly about the club's direction, stated that the Eagles will explore “all avenues” to climb the AFL ladder. This includes a fascinating proposition: potentially luring Geelong veteran Mitch Duncan, a 305-game AFL legend, back to Western Australia. Duncan, nearing the end of his illustrious career, could return in either a playing or coaching capacity, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to a young and developing Eagles squad.

Addressing the Brutal Reality

The 2023 season was undeniably tough for the West Coast Eagles. The team faced a myriad of challenges, including injuries, inconsistent performances, and a lack of overall cohesion. McQualter acknowledged the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need for decisive action to turn the club's fortunes around. “There’s no point sugarcoating it, it was a brutal year,” he admitted. “But we’ve learned a lot, and we’re determined to respond with a period of significant growth.”

Exploring All Options: The Duncan Factor

The potential return of Mitch Duncan has generated considerable buzz amongst Eagles supporters. Duncan, a highly respected figure within the AFL community, spent his junior years in Western Australia before joining Geelong. His tactical acumen, on-field leadership, and deep understanding of the game would be invaluable to the Eagles, regardless of whether he plays or coaches.

“Mitch is a fantastic player and a great person,” McQualter commented. “He’s got a lot to offer, and we’d be very interested in exploring the possibility of him joining us. It’s a long shot, of course, but we’ll leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of improvement.”

Beyond Duncan: A Holistic Approach

While the potential Duncan signing has captured the headlines, McQualter stressed that it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The Eagles are undertaking a comprehensive review of all aspects of the club, from player recruitment and development to coaching strategies and support staff. They are looking at bolstering their list through the draft, free agency, and trade period, while also focusing on developing the existing talent within the squad.

A Renewed Sense of Optimism

Despite the challenges of the past season, McQualter conveyed a renewed sense of optimism about the future. He believes that the lessons learned, combined with a determined approach to improvement, will allow the Eagles to return to competitiveness. “We’re not going to turn things around overnight,” he cautioned. “But we’re committed to building a strong, sustainable club that our members and supporters can be proud of.” He added, “The players are hungry, the staff are working hard, and we’re all united in our goal of bringing success back to West Coast.”

The Eagles faithful are eagerly awaiting further developments, hoping that this aggressive rebuild will usher in a new era of success for the club.