West Coast Eagles co-captain Liam Duggan says club on the path to return to the topMitchell WoodcockThe West AustralianThu, 5 March 2026 7:49PMCommentsCommentsEmail Mitchell Woodcock
West Coast captain Liam Duggan says they’re on a clear path to “lead this club back to where it belongs” as they prepare to bounce back from a one-win season.
Speaking at the Eagles’ season launch at Mineral Resources Park on Thursday night, Duggan said the hunger and connection he had witnessed daily at the club had him given him “enormous confidence” in their rebuild.
West Coast are only 10 days out from their season opener against Gold Coast at People First Stadium as they embark on a second year under coach Andrew McQualter.
Duggan — who is entering his third year as a captain of the Eagles — said it would take “relentless commitment” to earn their place back at the top of the AFL.
“The path being constructed in front of us is clear and it’s a path that will lead this club back to where it belongs,” he said.
“We understand the responsibility that comes with representing this club, we understand what it means to wear this jumper in front of our people and we’re committed to giving you a team that competes fiercely, sticks together and represents this club in the right way.
“We know there is a lot of work to do, we’re not shying away from that. Growth takes time, success takes consistency and earning back our place takes relentless commitment — on and off the field.
“What I am seeing day to day gives me enormous confidence. I see hunger, I see connection, I see a group that genuinely wants to do this together.”
Duggan said a pre-season camp before the Christmas break had helped the young Eagles build an identity which they would use to shape their next era.
“I can honestly there’s a real sense of optimism and excitement within this group and across the entire club,” he said.
“Before Christmas we went away on a cultural camp designed to build connection and push us outside of our comfort zone.
“What it became was something even more powerful — a catalyst for our playing group to create our own on the field identity. An identity that captures exactly what it means to pull on a West Coast jumper.
“With that foundation laid, January delivered one of the toughest training blocks we’re ever endured. More match simulation minute than ever before, more combat, more running but most importantly in those hard moments more opportunity to connect, to lean on each other and grow stronger together.
“My belief in the team we are becoming is high. The thought, detail and care that’s gone into shaping this program over the pre-season, not only for this year but for seasons to come has been first class.”
It comes after West Coast have honoured former chief executive Trevor Nisbett by naming their training centre after the club great.
Nisbett stepped down as chief executive in late 2024 after a 25-year tenure as well as spending nine years as general manager, playing a part in the club’s four premierships.
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