New Eagles recruit Jack Graham revealed West Coast’s signing of his former coach was ‘perfect timing’ as he was weighing up his AFL future in the trade period.
The 26-year old opted to sign with West Coast as an unrestricted free agent, while Richmond received an end of second round compensation pick for their loss.
Graham will head west on a four year deal, where he will reunite with the newly-appointed head coach Andrew McQualter, who spent seven years at Richmond with Graham under his tutelage.
Speaking on Sports Breakfast, Graham says he was ready for a new challenge and it was a major factor in his decision to come to West Coast.
“Sitting down with my partner and my manager and just probably realising the last eight years I’ve been so grateful for the Tigers giving me the opportunity and what we’ve achieved,” he said.
“It’s probably the time in my life to try something new, a new chapter, a new challenge. So why not head over to the West?
“Obviously it helped having Mini, Andrew McQualter being appointed as coach, so that linked in at the right time, but really it just comes down to a new start.
Graham left Tigerland with two premierships from 2017 and 2020 to his name, and as a beloved and pivotal part of the playing set up, while in the coaches box, McQualter took his place as Damien Hardwick’s right hand man throughout their period of success.
The midfielder-forward also has a runner up club best and fairest and won the Francis Bourke Award for how he positively embodied club values throughout the treacherous 2024 season.
With a pre-existing relationship with McQualter from his days at Richmond, he is excited to get the new season underway with him at the helm.
“Mini, obviously being at Richmond for seven years, he was the midfield coach and forward coach, so I got to know him really, really closely and just have a great relationship with him,” he said.
“I always knew one day he’d be a head coach and it just worked out at the perfect timing really for him to be appointed.
“He’s a ripping fella, he’s a family man, he’s a relationship coach, he’s got time for everyone. I can’t wait to see how he goes about it, really exciting.”
With Graham’s signature secured, West Coast will look to move on to signing Liam Baker – a West Aussie product, who is also set to depart Tigerland.
While Graham is set to reunite with at least three familar faces at West Coast, McQualter, Baker and list manager Matthew Clark, the initial decision to leave was difficult.
“I’ve made so many memories and I’m so lucky for what I’ve achieved at Richmond, for what they’ve given me over the last eight years. Life-long friends and there’s so many good people at Richmond,” he said.
“It’s tough, but at the same time you’ve got to look forward to the future, and that’s what I’m doing now. I can’t wait to see the next couple of years where we are over there in the West.
“It’s not easy, having to ring everyone and try to get on top of it before the media gets it. You want to ring your teammates to let them know first, and coaches, the people that have helped you along the way.
“Obviously they’re trying to tell you to stay, but at the end of the day you’ve got to do what’s best for you. It’s not an easy decision.”
IMAGE: West Coast Eagles