Michael Prior has quit as West Coast’s AFLW coach, less than two weeks after his “unacceptable” fixturing controversy.
Following a 70-point loss to Melbourne in round seven, Prior blasted the decision to pit the struggling Eagles against defending premiers Melbourne, saying: “How we play that team is beyond me. That is what you get when you get fixturing like that.”
He later backtracked on the criticism, labelling his comments as “unacceptable”.
Since taking the reins of the women’s team in 2022, Prior’s Eagles have won just five of 28 games and sit third from the bottom this year.
The club registered their second victory last round against Essendon, after what captain Emma Swanson called a “horror week”.
“I’ll leave on a high after being a part of an exciting win at Windy Hill on Sunday,” Prior said on Wednesday.
“I made the decision earlier in the season that this would be my last as senior coach and I believe the time is right to now step aside.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the role as senior coach of this amazing group.
“There is exciting upside for these players moving forward, but after three seasons I believe it is time for a new voice.”
Prior had also come under fire in his first season at the helm, saying “I think we’ve done the pride stuff to death to be honest” when asked about the club’s lack of a Pride Round guernsey.
Michael Prior. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
He later clarified his comments, saying “footy is a game for everyone” and that he had preferred to focus about the football rather than the lack of a specific guernsey.
Assistant coach Rohan McHugh will fill the head coach role for the final two games of 2023, while Prior resumes his role within Community and Game Development at the club.
West Coast chief Trevor Nisbett acknowledged the contribution of Prior in his three seasons.
“Michael assumed the role in difficult circumstances where our AFLW team played two seasons in the same year,” Nisbett said.
“I would like to thank him for his commitment to the program and for the role he has played in shaping what we believe is a squad capable of evolving into a formidable team.
“We will play out the season and then navigate our way forward as we search for a senior coach.”
Chanon
Roar Rookie
With every day that passes it looks more likely. 95% of the time when a player doesn’t renew contract with club it means they are leaving. His GF lives in Perth plays netball & of course his family reside in WA. Compensation will be pick 18 to the Dogs :stoked:
nics
Roar Rookie
Don't really think we should get English. Surely Grundy will be around on the cheap with the Pies still paying his salary ;)
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Fair enough for every action there is an equal reaction. WAC need to bottom out for two more years then with some elite young kids you should shine once again. The recruitment of English in 25’ should propel the club forward or backwards. :stoked:
nics
Roar Rookie
We can always put two plinths for the spoons between our four premiership cups. Plenty of space.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Sadly, next week is the last before finals...I think. So our girls finish.
adamkiwi
Roar Rookie
Agree, love watching those two.I thought we played well this last weekend, with so many young players in our team, up against a well drilled and experienced outfit. Our defense was pretty good, it will be better for the outing. Dana East is really starting to impress week in and week out.
WCE
Roar Rookie
Peter Bell finally getting his marching orders. How many good players did freo have to lose before this happened. WCE have slid to something undeniably special but somehow our lame little brother wants to take the heat from the media. Thanks freo keep being freo. Played for East Freo as all my family except some East Perth traders went to school South Fremantle. Would never in my wildest dreams support Fremantle. Albeit best move they have ever made apart from Waterhouse is booting Belly. He is up there with Sumich and Cornes so full of themselves it's dangerous fortunately only Belly had a chance to destroy a team even better that team was Fremantle
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
Not my fault if you haven't heard of talented West Australian players. Maybe you should take an interest in West Australian football
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
You probably think we need multiple 1st round picks to “start” our rebuild as well.. meanwhile we’re taking kids in the third round who become first 22 in their debut season. The womens team will come good, and then be a force. We’re just building from scratch instead of trying for a finals appearance
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
Never heard of her.
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
He's struggled a bit as a coach - although anyone would with that lot - but he was a fair player in his day. Had a superb kicking action and incredibly accurate disposal by foot; maybe a role as a skills coach might suit him in future
Chanon
Roar Rookie
I believe they need to erect (50 feet tall) a couple of wooden spoons to celebrate the 23’ season.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Just love watching Gabby Sullivan's and Emma O'Driscoll do their thing. Little terriers.
adamkiwi
Roar Rookie
Even though his comment was silly, that thumping by the Demon's was ugly to watch. This weekend I worry for Freo, as we up against Melbourne. What makes it suck is we have had to effectively do a rebuild these last two seasons - what with losing so many players to the expansion process. That said, last was a good weekend last for WA footy. The win by Freo was a bloody ripper.
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
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Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
It seems to entire West Coast club is a shambles.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
For sure. Sometimes it's better to just own your mistakes.
Vicboy
Roar Rookie
The results should have led to the change, not a silly one off comment. Most people expected WA footy (with junior and local competitions pushing up from below) to be ahead of the pack post Covid, but all four teams have performed below expectations. Sydney women have flown past many with some strategic recruiting and an integrated program, despite the local competition being well below other states. Hopefully WA footy is back this year in the men’s, and next year in the women’s. All of these teams need a star or two to excite fans.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Silly to make him retract, though. Better punishment to let it stand as an echo of just how silly he was. Everytime he looks at a fixture, he'll be reminded.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
I'm sure it was. It's outrageous that the league has made them play a good team...that's peak Vic bias.