West Coast co-captain Liam Baker is one of multiple leaders that coach Andrew McQualter is demanding more from, according to leading Western Australian sports journalist Digby Beacham.
Beacham, who was joined by Mark Stevens on Zero Hanger's The Outer Wing (brought to you by TabTouch), discussed the turmoil at the Eagles and the unexpected loss to Richmond.
"West Coast are a bad side, let's be honest," Beacham said. "It was a very, very disappointing day, on what was a big week for the club.
"In the wake of their performance against St Kilda, he gave a couple of the leaders, one being Liam Baker, an almighty talking to. Liam Baker had his backside handed to him, basically saying we need more from you and the other leaders.
"McQualter's agitated, he knows that there's a thirst from the West Coast community."
The game allowed Richmond to end their season long losing streak, but may have been another nail in the coffin for Eagles fans.
"There's a lot of fans venting, saying 'well when are we going to be good again'," Beacham said.
However Beacham attempted to find the light at the end of the tunnel, pointing to their improve win-loss record in 2026.
"They have doubled their win loss record from last year, albeit, they're coming from a pretty low base."
In 2025, the Eagles won one game, beating St Kilda by 28 points in Round 10. This season, they have beaten both North Melbourne and Port Adelaide in Rounds 2 and 3 respectively.
The Eagles will make the trek down the Marvel this Sunday to play Melbourne.
