McQualter Post Match Press Conference v Suns

Senior Coach Andrew McQualter talks to the media after today's round one loss to the Suns

[brettbrett]

A coach answering questions for the board.

[NP-dtdb]

Well I don’t know what to say guys but Liam Bamer looked good and Ginbey

[alancrnobrnja]

Our midfield sucks. No strength, no grit, no speed, no skills. Gold Coast are good, but not that good. Eagles made the Suns look awesome.

[doey]

Baker and Ginbey looked to be the only two who wanted to be out there, hope they’re holding their heads up high.

[travstar]

Great to see McQualter calling it as it is.
If you can't get hold of the ball in the contest you lose.
Our playing group needs to work harder, much harder.
When the midfield gets smashed time and again year after year there is an issue.

Work Rate!!!!

[Aussie]

Don’t think WC look like an AFL team presently. It’s going to be a long painful few years for fans.

[darthjarjar]

Poor bloke’s aged 5 years in 3 months.

[ozzgrl]

Hate being an eagles supporter in Melbourne. Media over here thinks
Harley Reid has checked out, ready to be traded, maybe deflating his price.

Harley just play football for gods sake, stop the immature stuff. The fans love and support you but you are breaking our hearts.

[mwm]

The midfield has been the number 1 issue for the last 4 years and how has that issue been addressed? By drafting only 2 midfielders with top picks in all that time. Trading pick 3 away last year to bring in Bo Allan who is a f**n defender is diabolical mismanagement of the list.

Watching today it's clear the squad will again be at the bottom of the ladder but there's not even any up and coming midfielders to set the squad up for future success to watch and get excited about. It's Harley (who looks halfway out the door) surrounded by 30yr olds who never hit 25 touches in a game.

Rock bottom of this rebuild keeps getting deeper

[keithandrew]

People seem to forget. In 2013 Eagles were cellar dwellers. 2014 Adam Simpson took over. A first time coach same as our new coach. 4 years later Eagles won the flag. Give the new coach a bit of slack.

[InfinitePlain]

The rebuild has to start in the WAFL. Build a team that can excel at State level and promote that team wholesale to the national league. Then it can at least be competitive and you have the chance to retain your talent and build consistency and confidence.

[bazmace]

Hang in there Mini, impossible job cleaning up the mess left by Rohan O’Brian, Nisbett and Simpo.

[Jonesjaylor]

IDK why maric is sub and not best 22, Cole and hunt are not who we need on the defence flank. One more week with Flynn and if it's a similar contest he needs to go to wafl. Baker honestly should attend 1-2 centre bounces a quater, his heart and hand speed are AFL ELITE. Fitness needs addressing during season or we are totally screwed.

[charlesbawden]

Baker was great. Ginbey, Graham, Hough also good.

[mintoxace]

He sounds exactly like Simmo - giving players like Kelly and Harley excuses for their poor games instead of saying they needed to focus on winning the footy instead of trying to win fights.

[travellerandwriter]

we can’t expect this team to be transformed in one off season……the players on the field have to take the step forward this year or we can expect more of the same this season. I hope Mcqualter sees the light as far as Tim Kelly is concerned….put him in the WAFL team and leave him there

[chinathesideyoudontsee]

Oh it's going to be a long season if we continue down this path ! New coach , supposedly a new game plan, but I just saw the same old 💩. Duggan has to go, as he is dump kick king, usually resulting in a quick intercept and rebound inside 50 ! Cole had a good game, but needs to make way for fresh legs, the same goes for Crippa and while we are at it trade Allen while we can get some value, as him and Duggo can't lead the lads ! Kelly must be dropped and if he can't find the lust of the game again and the hunger to compete or traded / retired !
Play the kids, what they lack in experience they'll make up in enthusiasm and pace which is where the game is heading. Along with that they will get some continuity from playing together . And get a ruck

[ralphgomeze]

DIsappointing to lose by that margin, but there is always going to be some pain when you have a new coach, game plan, new players. There was competition for spots coming into this game, so give those who perform at WAFL, the reward by giving them a chance to prove themselves. Its going to be a slow build, before the players can do the things in games long enough to kick a winning score and keep the ball in our forward line.

[MrElwood]

Trade Allen to get more picks, Trade Harley to get more picks and actually rebuild

[alancrnobrnja]

Gigbey and Maric were the only 2 who looked decent today.