The West Coast Eagles have been through a rough patch lately. Injuries, inconsistency, and a ladder position that has fans worried have all weighed heavy on the club. But in a bold mid-season move, the Eagles landed not one, but two new players — Tom McCarthy and Jacob Newton — and head coach Andrew McQualter isn’t holding back on how much of an impact they’re already making.
Tom McCarthy, the No. 1 pick in the mid-season draft, is a 24-year-old Victorian midfielder whose path to the AFL wasn’t straightforward. After years of playing state-level footy with Highett and Richmond’s VFL team, McCarthy finally got his big break. He’s known for his clean skills, composure, and work ethic—traits that have already made a difference on the field. McQualter praised McCarthy’s leadership and calm presence in the midfield, saying, “Tom’s brought a new energy and focus that our group desperately needed.”
Then there’s Jacob Newton, a big-bodied forward from South Australia, picked up after the team lost Jake Waterman to a season-ending shoulder injury. Newton’s physicality and aggressive style bring a new dimension to West Coast’s forward line. “Jacob’s fearlessness in contests and ability to win tough ball has added the edge we’ve been missing up front,” McQualter shared. “He’s raw, but his attitude is exactly what we want.”
For the Eagles, these signings aren’t just about filling gaps—they’re about shaking up the culture and pushing the team toward a fresh, determined rebuild. McQualter’s honest words highlight how much these two newcomers have already influenced the squad. “It’s about more than just footy skills,” he said. “It’s their hunger, their willingness to fight for every contest, that’s contagious.”
Fans have noticed it too. The energy on game day feels different. The team looks sharper, more competitive. These two players symbolize hope—a sign that the Eagles aren’t just surviving tough times but actively fighting back.
McQualter summed it up best: “Tom and Jacob have reminded us all why we love this game. They’ve injected belief and passion into our group, and that’s priceless as we work toward the future.”
For West Coast supporters who have been impatient for change, this double signing might just be the turning point they’ve been waiting for. The rebuild is underway—and it’s got a fresh spark of excitement.