Alex Witherden's Departure Marks a New Chapter for West Coast Eagles

West Coast's List Overhaul

West Coast have continued their list overhaul with defender Alex Witherden, Jai Culley, and uncapped youngster Coby Burgiel informed they would not receive contracts for next season. Witherden was recruited from Brisbane at the end of the 2020 season and played 62 games for the Eagles, being a regular part of their defense, particularly as others went down with injury.

Season Performance

The 26-year-old played 18 games this season despite being dropped earlier in the year but was left out of West Coast’s final round loss to Geelong. Culley burst onto the scene with a four-goal performance last season after being picked up as the No.1 pick in the 2022 mid-season draft, but his breakout was curtailed by an ACL injury shortly after. He came back to feature in three games during the 2024 season but failed to lock down his spot.

• Burgiel was selected with pick 29 in the 2022 AFL draft but suffered repeat hamstring injuries.
• He was limited to WAFL appearances before putting together a solid season, with 12 WAFL games and five goals.

Club Acknowledgment

While Culley and Witherden’s time at the Eagles is over, the club said they may consider Burgiel for a train-on position during the pre-season. “On behalf of the club, I would like to acknowledge the contributions Alex, Jai, and Coby have made to West Coast and thank them for their service,” General Manager Football Gavin Bell stated. “It is always a difficult time when these decisions have to be made, and all three are terrific young men who have been valued members of the playing group. We wish them every success in their future endeavors.”