West Coast Eagles great Glen Jakovich has backed Harry Edwards to "stand up and deliver" as the team braces for their first match of the 2025 season without key defender Tom Barrass. The Eagles will kick off their new campaign this Sunday, March 16, at Optus Stadium against Gold Coast, marked by adjustments and strategic overhauls under new head coach Andrew McQualter.
Jakovich voiced his trust in Edwards to fill the void left by Barrass, whose absence poses significant challenges for the Eagles’ backline. "To have Harry step up is very important, and I’m confident he will deliver," Jakovich stated as the team prepares for the reality of having to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
Under McQualter, the philosophy is shifting dramatically, emphasizing the importance of territory, competitiveness, and rounded gameplay. The new coach has articulated his strategy, which is driven by what he refers to as the team’s "mosquito fleet" – the influx of nimble small forwards who will enforce pressure and capitalize on quick turnovers. This approach contrasts sharply with the taller forward line’s performance last season.
"Those [small forwards] have been really important part of what we're doing...part of their job description," McQualter remarked, highlighting the integral role of players such as recruit Matt Owies and veteran Jamie Cripps, both of whom are expected to feature prominently against Gold Coast. The duo’s offensive capabilities will be central as the Eagles attempt to impose their game style early on.
Meanwhile, on the bench, talents like Noah Long, Tyler Brockman, Jack Petruccelle, and Tyrell Dewar await their chance to contribute. Their inclusion is indicative of McQualter’s commitment to relying on youthful energy and swift maneuverability to achieve desired results on the field.
Significantly, Archer Reid has been promoted as the new forward/ruck option, replacing both Bailey Williams and Jack Williams, emphasizing the tandem of speed and agility over height. This strategy aims to cultivate offensive pressure, making it easier to reclaim territory quickly, as Jack Williams explained, stating the Eagles strive to "turn the ball over fast and really own forward-half footy" this season.
With Elliot Yeo absent from the squad, Jack Hutchinson is expected to play central roles, particularly at the centre bounce, showcasing his prowess from the previous season, where he tallied 24 disposals and six clearances against Geelong. Yet, it is the defensive strategies under McQualter’s direction, led by Ryan Maric’s shift from the midfield to defense, alongside rookie Reuben Ginbey, which will determine how effectively the Eagles can adapt to their new game plan.
"We want to be able to be a team...can compete really hard...you need to be rounded," emphasized McQualter, as he highlighted the multifaceted nature of the sport and the need for players to excel across various phases of the game.
New recruits like Liam Baker and Jack Graham have also joined the Eagles under the vision of enhancing competitiveness and establishing higher standards. Their contributions are expected to have immediate impacts on the squad's dynamics, both on-field performance and off-field attitudes.
Entering the first game, uncertainty surrounds how well these changes will materialize—a point underscored by McQualter himself during his recent address, stating, "We've planned and prepared, we’re fit and healthy, but we haven't played against anyone in a proper AFL match yet." This reflection on their readiness encapsulates the mixture of anticipation and caution as the club prepares to define its identity moving forward.
Returning to the theme of the upcoming match, observers will closely monitor how effectively the Eagles implement their new tactics and garner support from their fanbase. The clash against Gold Coast marks not only the beginning of another season but the dawning of McQualter’s vision for the Eagles, aiming to propel them within the competitive AFL framework.