They’re the richest club in the land, so should West Coast get a leg-up from the league?

3 months ago 31

They’re the richest club in the land, with more than 100,000 members and four flags in the trophy cabinet from 25 finals campaigns over 39 years.

The thought of West Coast approaching the AFL for assistance in the shape of draft concessions would get the blood boiling of many rival clubs and their supporters.

It’s been a tough run for the Eagles, having won just 11 of their past 91 games.

Are they entitled to ask?

Absolutely. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

This club is severely wounded. They’re on the verge of claiming a second wooden spoon in three years with just 11 wins from their past 91 games.

Their record in the past four years is far worse than Brisbane and North Melbourne, who received handouts from the league in the past decade.

But it’s the “recency” element which raises eyebrows. Just seven years on from lifting the cup, should the Eagles be afforded assistance for a situation in which much was created by themselves?

Since 2018, it’s all been downhill.

Understandably, West Coast prioritised trying to stay at the top of the mountain and keep the premiership window open, instead of hitting the draft.

Josh Kennedy (right) and Shannon Hurn in 2021. The Eagles leaned on their vets to chase another flag, but should there have been more forward planning?

They did so by landing then-Cat Tim Kelly back home, but they paid a hefty price, parting ways with a bevvy of picks.

It resulted in three consecutive drafts, from 2018 to 2020, without a first-round pick.

On top of this, they prioritised sticking with the tried-and-tested formula of senior players who had achieved the ultimate success, over playing and developing youth.

It’s been a major reason for why they’re at an all-time low, while the forced medical retirements of Jeremy McGovern, Brad Sheppard, Daniel Venables and Luke Edwards has also been significant.

West Coast are already primed to receive compensation of sorts this year.

It’s widely expected they’ll receive draft pick number two for losing co-captain Oscar Allen, who is set to walk to Brisbane.

But when you look at the sustained lack of success at other clubs, it’s difficult to land on providing a handout.

You don’t need to look far to see Fremantle - a club yet to achieve the ultimate, managing one grand final appearance from 30 completed seasons.

Expansion clubs GWS and Gold Coast are yet to win premierships, Port Adelaide have one - so too St Kilda from more than 100 years.

Adelaide have two flags, the Western Bulldogs the same in this, their centenary year.

While West Coast shouldn’t be denied assistance purely for being a successful club, they also shouldn’t be granted help for this their first sustained period they’ve encountered hardship.