‘Incomprehensible’: Buckley Left Speechless by West Coast’s Disastrous Start to the 2025 Season

Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has articulated his frustration towards West Coast after their heavy 71-point defeat to Carlton, critiquing the pervasive absence of leadership and effort throughout the team.

The Eagles recorded the lowest contested possessions in the history of the league (since this statistic was first tracked) on Saturday afternoon, with the Blues dominating the game.

With Andrew McQualter’s debut season as coach now seeing the team at 0-5, Buckley has raised concerns over the alarming lack of competitiveness.

“That raises significant concerns for me,” Buckley stated during an interview with SEN.

“Liam Duggan, one of the more seasoned leaders in the side, appeared completely lost when he was pushed further back towards goal, while Oscar Allen is simply not performing at his best. The contest isn’t consistent or sustained.”

“The players putting in the most effort seem to be Liam Baker and Jack Graham, who are relatively new to the club, and they’re likely motivated by respect for the coach, given their existing rapport.”

“The sheer gap in on-field leadership within that football club is beyond comprehension. I genuinely can’t see how this situation will improve, especially when we’re discussing the proud West Coast Eagles.”

“It’s mind-boggling what they’re currently presenting. With less than 50 per cent efficiency when you analyse their statistics, they are consistently uncompetitive against their rivals and in the contest.”

“(77) is now the fewest contested possessions recorded since this statistic has been kept, and that includes games shortened due to COVID.”

“Winning a contest is possible, regardless of experience or the quality of the opposition, yet that simply wasn’t occurring.”

Since the start of the 2022 season, the Eagles have managed to secure just 10 victories.

Ex-Collingwood president Eddie McGuire believes the club should consider approaching the AFL for a priority draft pick.

“Why wouldn’t you make that request?” he remarked on the Eddie and Jimmy podcast.

“It’s something I can’t comprehend. If I were on the board, I’d be doing everything in my power to climb the ladder as quickly as possible.”

West Coast is set to face Essendon at Optus Stadium on Friday night, followed by encounters against Hawthorn, Melbourne, and Richmond over the next month.