Relevant events for the week Wednesday 16 August 2023 - Tuesday 22 August 2023 (Prev|Next)
Wednesday 16 August[]
Thursday 17 August[]
West Coast named Ryan Maric to return from injury against the Bulldogs, while Jack Petruccelle, Callum Jamieson and Zane Trew were named on an extended bench. Substitute Greg Clark was the only confirmed omission after being suspended in the WAFL.
Friday 18 August[]
West Coast announced contract extensions for first-round picks Reuben Ginbey and Elijah Hewett. Ginbey, who signed on until 2027, said that he couldn't be more excited, while Hewett, who was signed until 2026, said that he was grateful to be able to continue his career with the club - westcoasteagles.com.au, "Young stars align": https://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/1407361/young-stars-align
Petruccelle survived the cut when squads were reduced to 22, with he and Maric replacing Xavier O'Neill and Luke Foley. O'Neill and Trew flew to Melbourne with the side, with one to replace Clark as sub.
The club named a strong 24-player squad for the first practice match, with Amy Franklin making her first West Coast appearance, along with Lauren Wakfer who missed her entire first season with an ACL injury.
Brisbane defeated Collingwood.
Saturday 19 August[]
West Coast's reserves lost to East Perth, going down by 48 points despite showing periods of competitiveness. Isiah Winder had 29 touches and two goals.
The club continued to announce re-signings, with Jeremy McGovern, Jamie Cripps and Jack Petruccelle signing on until the end of 2025 and young forward Jack Williams signing a one-year extension.
Richmond beat North Melbourne, Carlton won a thriller over Gold Coast, GWS Giants thrashed Essendon, St Kilda ended Geelong's premiership defence and Sydney narrowly beat Adelaide, knocking the Crows out of finals contention in a controversial finish.
Sunday 20 August[]
West Coast stunned the Western Bulldogs with an upset win, throwing a spanner in the Bulldogs' finals hopes. The Eagles stunned the home side early and led by as much as 26 points during the first term, but the Dogs were able to whittle that away and took the lead during the third term. West Coast fought out the game strongly, kicking five last-term goals, three of them to Jamie Cripps, to steal the points and silence the Melbourne crowd. Cripps celebrated his new contract with an equal career-high five goals, and Tim Kelly was outstanding in midfield with 32 possessions.
The AFLW side defeated Essendon in a pre-season clash, with Ella Roberts and Kate Bartlett each kicking two goals.
Melbourne beat Hawthorn and Port Adelaide defeated Fremantle.
Monday 21 August[]
Elliot Yeo was given a one-week suspension for a tackle on Jack Macrae, although the ban was of little moment with Yeo suffering a hamstring injury late in the Bulldogs' clash.
Tuesday 22 August[]
West Coast provided its final injury update of 2023. In addition to Yeo, Jeremy McGovern was in doubt for the upcoming clash with Adelaide with an ankle injury, but retiring veterans Luke Shuey and Shannon Hurn were expected to be available for their sendoffs.
In AFLW news, the club announced that Krstel Petrevski would miss the season after suffering an ankle injury during match simulation.