Paul Fitzpatrick, the outgoing chair of the West Coast Eagles, remains optimistic about the club’s future, despite a “deeply disappointing” 2024 season.
Fitzpatrick, who served the maximum nine-year term on the board, will be succeeded by Elizabeth Gaines in 2025, with premiership player Rowan Jones taking on the role of her deputy.
In his farewell message to the club’s members, Fitzpatrick acknowledged the difficult challenges faced over the past few years but emphasized that the club’s rebuilding efforts are progressing.
Our focus now is on moving our three teams up the premiership ladder, and this process is already underway,” he stated. Fitzpatrick also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the members and staff,
highlighting the promising performances of the men’s and women’s teams, as well as the growth of the club’s younger players.
However, the club’s performance on the field has been disappointing, with the AFL team securing only five wins this season and lingering near the bottom of the ladder for the past three years.
Fitzpatrick admitted that these results were hard to accept but reassured fans that the club has been making significant changes to set the stage for future success.
“There have been many changes over the past 12 months as we implement the right structures to support the next successful era,” he said.
One of the most significant decisions made during Fitzpatrick’s tenure was parting ways with coach Adam Simpson, a much-loved figure who led the team to a premiership in 2018.
Fitzpatrick described this as “the most crucial decision” the club made in 2024. Simpson’s departure came with seven games left in the season, and the club then appointed Andrew McQualter as the new head coach in October.
Fitzpatrick concluded his message by thanking members for their loyalty during challenging times and reassured them that their continued support will lead to a return to success for the Eagles in the near future.
He expressed confidence that the club would reward its members’ faith as they quickly return to their winning ways.
Through this rebuilding phase, Fitzpatrick remained optimistic about the Eagles’ future, offering a sense of hope and determination for the years ahead.
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