West Coast Eagles midfielder Jack Graham admits club leadership needs to step up following a disappointing display across the board against the Giants last Sunday.  

The Eagles – particularly the leadership group – have faced heavy scrutiny after suffering an 81-point thrashing against the Giants at Engie Stadium. 

Co-captains Oscar Allen and Liam Duggan have been in the spotlight both with questions raised about their role as club leaders. 

At yesterday’s press conference, Graham said the playing group still backed Allen to remain captain after coming under fire for meeting Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell last week.

Meanwhile, footage of Duggan dropping and trailing his opponent, which led to a goal, emerged and prompted further criticism of West Coast’s on-field leadership.

Speaking on Sports Breakfast ahead of Gather Round in Adelaide this weekend, Graham said more collective buy-in is needed, especially from the leaders. 

“It’s on us leaders to step up and everyone, we’re disappointed with the result and some of the clips that come up,” he said. 

“But it’s everyone who needs to buy in and get better and be willing to play that team brand and the system with our roles. As soon as someone doesn’t execute their role, there’s a breakdown. 

“We’re watching that through the review, and they’re not easy fixes, but we know what let us down here, so we need to work on that this week.” 

West Coast face the prospect of going 0-5 this weekend, should they fail to beat Carlton, who have had an identical start to their season. 

Both sides are winless, West Coast in 18th and Carlton in 16th and well below where they were predicted to sit before the season started.  

Ahead of the match, Graham said his side wants to improve and execute their style of football better.

“Every game we go into, we think we can execute,” he said. 

“You’ve got to respect the opposition, and they’re a quality side as well, and they’re not where they want to be like we are, so you’ve got to respect the opposition. 

“At the same time, we want to play our style of football and obviously get that win. The process of us sticking to our game plan and slowly ticking along and wanting to improve, but without thinking about the outcome. 

“We want to win and all that. It’s going to be a tough game, and hopefully, we can be in front when that final siren goes.” 

For West Coast to put themselves in a position to win, Graham said capitalising on inside 50 entries and composure are key focuses for the week. 

“We matched them (GWS) in that area and just making the most of them, like locking the ball in our front half and really capitalising. 

“But then also our attack, going, reading the play, reading what the defense gives us and marching the ball up. We’re playing really quick at the moment, and turnovers are hurting us. 

“They’re able to slingshot back, and that’s been hurting us at the moment. So just a bit of composure kind of all around the ground, but inside 50s and making the most of them.” 

“Just a bit of composure kind of all around the ground, but inside 50s and making the most of them.”

IMAGE: West Coast Eagles