West Coast Eagles AFLW coach Michael Prior has resigned with immediate effect.
Since taking up the coaching role in the AFLW’s sixth season in 2022, Prior has overseen 28 matches, recording five wins and 23 losses. The Eagles are also unscheduled this season with two wins and six losses from eight games so far and are in 16th place.
News of Priorand’s decision came after the Eagles’ upset win. The Eagles beat the now fifth-placed Bombers by four points at the weekend. The Eagles confirmed Priorand’s call-up on Wednesday morning with news from the West Coast camp that last weekend and the final game will be after the coach and the past three years at the club.
;I have enjoyed every minute of my role as head coach of this great team,” Prior said in a club statement.
“It’s exciting for these players to step up, but after three seasons I think it’s time for a new voice.
– I decided at the beginning of the season that this will be my last coach, and I believe that now is the right time to step aside. I’m at the start after a thrilling win at Windy Hill on Sunday. “I would like to thank the players and staff for their support over the past three seasons and I look forward to seeing them grow.”
Prior recently made headlines for his comments after the AFLand#039;s game. against the Eagles after suffering the fourth heaviest loss in AFLW history to reigning premiers Melbourne.
Now he steps into an Eagles role where he ignores the development of the club and the community and the games.
Eagles assistant Rohan McHugh will take over as head coach for the remaining two games of the 2023 season.
“Michael took on the role in difficult circumstances where our AFLW team plays two seasons in the same year,” CEO Trevor Nisbett said.
“I would like to thank him for his commitment to the program and the role he has played in building what we believe can be a great team. “We will play one season and continue when we look for a senior coach.”
The Eagles are now looking for their fourth coach in AFLW history, with Prior following Daniel Pratt and Luke Dwyer.