West Coast Eagles midfielder Elijah Hewett has issued a passionate call for greater accountability within his team following a disappointing loss to the Melbourne Football Club. The Eagles, currently struggling with a single win in the ongoing 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, faced another setback on Saturday, November 4, 2023, leaving Hewett visibly emotional as he addressed his teammates and the media.
Hewett, 21, has emerged as a standout player amidst a challenging season. He believes that the team must foster a culture of competition and accountability to improve its performance. “If you’re not competing and don’t want to win, then you can’t really play for this side,” he stated. His remarks came after a game where the Eagles fell short once again, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and improvement.
During his press conference, Hewett expressed the importance of team cohesion and the drive to succeed. “We’ve got the opportunity to be a part of something great and nothing is more fulfilling to me than a team bottom of the ladder working its way to the top,” he said. This sentiment resonates deeply within a squad that has faced significant challenges, including a solitary win against St Kilda earlier in the season.
Hewett reflected on the recent match, pointing out key areas for improvement. “It starts off right now with the game review, figuring out what went wrong and what went right,” he explained. He noted that issues with intent, roles, and execution were central to the team’s struggles. “We’ve got to be stronger at the ball. There were too many times we pulled up and didn’t put our head over the footy,” he added, underscoring the need for a more aggressive approach.
With just four wins across his 31-game career, Hewett understands the toll that a challenging season can take on players’ morale. “Just not getting wins, you play footy to win, you don’t play footy to play,” he stated. He emphasized that the team must remain focused and resilient. “We’ve had one the whole season, so it’s been really tough. We’ve got to stay locked in and find the positives week to week.”
Hewett’s emotional connection to the team is evident, as he expressed a desire to elevate the Eagles to success. He remarked on the dedication of the younger players and the impact of their struggles. “They (the Eagles young players) are incredibly invested… it’s quite emotional to be honest, quite upsetting not getting the results we want,” he noted, assuring that the team would remain committed to improvement.
As the Eagles continue to navigate a difficult season, Hewett’s honest reflections may serve as a catalyst for change. The call for accountability and a renewed focus on teamwork could be pivotal in reviving the team’s fortunes as they strive to turn their season around.
