PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 04: Jack Graham of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the round 17 AFL match between West Coast Eagles and GWS Giants at Optus Stadium on July 04, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images via AFL Photos)
BREAKING: West Coast Eagles co-captain Liam Duggan revealed today that Jack Graham addressed his teammates immediately after receiving a four-week suspension for a homophobic slur. This urgent update follows Graham’s self-reporting of the incident involving a Greater Western Sydney player during round 17.
The timing of this development is critical as the Eagles prepare for their match against Adelaide at Optus Stadium this coming Sunday, marking Duggan’s 200th game. Duggan emphasized that Graham’s return will significantly bolster an inexperienced midfield, stating, “Fridge did what he had to do. Obviously, he owned the mistake and moved on.”
After suffering an 83-point defeat to Melbourne, the Eagles’ coach Andrew McQualter described the team’s performance as “not tough enough.” Duggan agreed with this assessment, noting the importance of honesty and transparency as they aim to improve. “We have put a lot of great foundations in place across this year,” he said. “But we’ve probably let those slip a little bit the last handful of games.”
Duggan expressed enthusiasm for reaching the 200-game milestone, especially as he shares the moment with retiring teammates Jeremy McGovern and Dom Sheed. “It’s a big milestone for me and my family,” he remarked, emphasizing the significance of loyalty throughout his career. He celebrated the moment as a testament to his commitment to the club.
This upcoming match is more than just a milestone for Duggan; it represents a pivotal point for the struggling Eagles, currently ranked 18th in the league. Duggan described the game against Adelaide, who are soaring in form, as “the ultimate challenge.” He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the team due to injuries affecting key players like Oscar Allen and Harley Reid.
As the youngest team in the competition, the Eagles are navigating a steep learning curve. Duggan stated, “We’ve asked a lot of our young fellas to come on and play roles that potentially I didn’t have to play when I started out.” He called on both experienced players and younger team members to step up, reinforcing the idea that the team must find a way to elevate their performance.
With three games remaining in the season, the Eagles are focused on rebuilding and finding their rhythm. “There’s also that healthy sense of optimism,” Duggan said, urging his team to bring their best against Adelaide. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Eagles seek redemption after a challenging season.
This developing story highlights the complexities of team dynamics and the human impact of sporting challenges. As the Eagles prepare for this critical match, all eyes will be on how they respond to the recent turmoil and whether they can rally together for a much-needed victory.
