The History Of The West Coast Eagles
The History Of The West Coast Eagles
The West Coast Eagles, founded in 1986, are a professional Australian Rules football team based in Perth, Western Australia. The club was established as part of the Australian Football League (AFL) expansion into Western Australia, aiming to represent the state at the highest level of the sport.
From their inception, the Eagles quickly became a formidable force in the AFL, reaching the finals in just their second season in 1988. Coached by inaugural coach Ron Alexander, the team’s early success laid the foundation for a strong and competitive presence in the league.
In 1992, under the guidance of coach Mick Malthouse, the West Coast Eagles achieved their first AFL premiership by defeating the Geelong Cats in the Grand Final. This victory marked a historic moment for the club and solidified its status as one of the powerhouse teams in Australian Rules football.
Throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, the Eagles continued to be a dominant force in the AFL, consistently qualifying for finals series and competing at the highest level. They secured their second premiership in 1994, defeating the Geelong Cats once again in another memorable Grand Final.
Over the years, the West Coast Eagles have cultivated a passionate supporter base known for their unwavering loyalty and enthusiastic support at home games held at Optus Stadium, one of Australia’s premier sporting venues. The club’s commitment to excellence on and off the field has cemented its place in AFL history and continues to inspire generations of fans in Western Australia and beyond.
1986-1989: Formative years and the first years
The West Coast Eagles, along with the Brisbane Bears, were chosen in 1986 to be one of the two new teams that would enter the Victorian Football League the following year. Ron Alexander became the team’s first coach in September 1986. The inaugural squad was unveiled in late October and included a majority from the West Australian Football League. The Eagles benefited from a strong WAFL and relatively loose transfer restrictions compared to later expansion teams. Early success was seen as an important factor in promoting a new national competition. Ross Glendinning was appointed the club’s captain because he had previous VFL experience. West Coast’s first VFL senior match was against Richmond on Subiaco Oval, in late March 1987. Richmond lost by 14 points. The club was eighth among fourteen teams, having won 11 games and lost 11. Alexander was replaced as West Coast’s head coach by John Todd who is the coach of Swan Districts from the WAFL. In 1988, the club reached the finals, but the following year, they lost their form, winning just seven games and finishing 11th.
Location
The West Coast Eagles are based in Perth, Western Australia. Specifically, their administrative headquarters, training facilities, and primary home ground for AFL matches are located at Optus Stadium. Optus Stadium is a world-class venue situated in Burswood, a suburb just east of Perth’s central business district.
Optus Stadium serves as the heart of the West Coast Eagles’ operations and a key location for their home games, accommodating a large number of passionate supporters in its state-of-the-art facilities. The stadium’s modern amenities and excellent transport links make it a favoured venue for AFL matches and other major events in Perth.
Beyond Optus Stadium, the West Coast Eagles have a strong presence in the broader Perth community, engaging with fans through various community programs and events. The club’s commitment to representing Western Australia in the AFL is reflected in their performances on the field and their significant role in the local sporting landscape.
Home Ground: Optus Stadium
The West Coast Eagles’ primary home ground for AFL matches is Optus Stadium, located in Burswood, Perth, Western Australia. Optus Stadium is a state-of-the-art venue known for its modern facilities, seating capacity of over 60,000 spectators, and stunning views of the Swan River and Perth skyline.
Since its opening in 2018, Optus Stadium has become the centrepiece for AFL matches in Perth and serves as the Eagles’ home base for both training and hosting home games. The stadium’s retractable roof and world-class amenities provide an exceptional experience for players and fans alike, ensuring optimal conditions for competitive football.
Optus Stadium’s central location and accessibility via public transport make it a popular destination for Eagles supporters and visitors attending AFL matches. The venue’s atmosphere, coupled with the passionate fan base known as the “Eagles Army,” creates an electric atmosphere during home games, enhancing the team’s home-ground advantage.
Overall, Optus Stadium represents a significant asset to the West Coast Eagles, offering a premier venue that showcases their commitment to excellence and success in Australian Rules football within Western Australia and across the AFL competition.
Premiership Success
The West Coast Eagles have won four AFL/VFL premierships:
- 1992: West Coast Eagles won the AFL Grand Final against Geelong.
- 1994: West Coast Eagles won the AFL Grand Final against Geelong.
- 2006: West Coast Eagles won the AFL Grand Final against Sydney Swans.
- 2018: West Coast Eagles won the AFL Grand Final against Collingwood.
These premiership victories highlight the West Coast Eagles’ success in the AFL, showcasing their ability to perform at the highest level and claim ultimate success in Australian Rules football. Each premiership win has been celebrated by their passionate fan base and has contributed to the club’s rich history and legacy within the sport.
West Coast Eagles Finals Appearances
Here is an overview of their final appearances:
- 1988: West Coast Eagles reached the VFL Preliminary Final but lost to Melbourne.
- 1990: They reached the VFL Preliminary Final but lost to Essendon.
- 1991: West Coast Eagles reached the AFL Grand Final but lost to Hawthorn.
- 1992: They won the AFL Grand Final against Geelong, claiming their first premiership.
- 1993: West Coast Eagles reached the AFL Qualifying Final but lost to Essendon.
- 1994: They won the AFL Grand Final against Geelong, securing their second premiership.
- 1995: West Coast Eagles reached the AFL Preliminary Final but lost to Geelong.
- 1996: They reached the AFL Preliminary Final but lost to North Melbourne.
- 1997: West Coast Eagles reached the AFL Grand Final but lost to Adelaide.
- 1998: They reached the AFL Semi-Finals but lost to Melbourne.
- 1999: West Coast Eagles reached the AFL Semi-Finals but lost to Essendon.
- 2002: They reached the AFL Preliminary Final but lost to Collingwood.
- 2005: West Coast Eagles reached the AFL Grand Final but lost to Sydney Swans.
- 2006: They won the AFL Grand Final against Sydney Swans, securing their third premiership.
- 2007: West Coast Eagles reached the AFL Semi-Finals but lost to Collingwood.
- 2011: They reached the AFL Semi-Finals but lost to Geelong.
- 2012: West Coast Eagles reached the AFL Semi-Finals but lost to Collingwood.
- 2015: They reached the AFL Grand Final but lost to Hawthorn.
- 2016: West Coast Eagles reached the AFL Elimination Final but lost to the Western Bulldogs.
- 2017: They reached the AFL Semi-Finals but lost to Greater Western Sydney.
- 2018: West Coast Eagles won the AFL Grand Final against Collingwood, securing their fourth premiership.
These final appearances highlight the West Coast Eagles’ ability to consistently qualify for the postseason and compete for premiership glory across different eras of the AFL. Each appearance has added to the club’s rich history and the passion of their dedicated supporters, known for their unwavering support through the highs and lows of finals football.
