West Coast has emerged as a surprise suitor for Geelong great Mitch Duncan, with the struggling club considering a move to lure the two-time premiership midfielder home to Western Australia.
The 33-year-old is out of contract and qualifies as an unrestricted free agent, giving him the freedom to join any club should he decide to play on in 2026.
With shoulder surgery behind him and a return to senior footy on the horizon, Duncan has yet to announce whether he’ll retire, but West Coast are ready to pounce either way.
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Player now, coach next? Eagles dangle dual pathway
According to Herald Sun, the Eagles are open to Duncan joining the club as a player-mentor for a year before transitioning into coaching, a pathway previously taken by Sam Mitchell in 2017.
Duncan’s long-time connection with Eagles coach Andrew McQualter, forged in a Covid hub, could play a key role in any move.
The 305-game veteran has already dipped his toes into coaching via a VFL stint this year and remains highly regarded for his leadership and professionalism.
West Coast will speak with the AFL about potential list concessions in the coming weeks, with Duncan seen as an ideal candidate to fill a senior spot without blocking youth development.
With just one win in 2025 and a likely second wooden spoon in three seasons looming, McQualter said the club was “in a rush to get better” and “open to every avenue” for improvement.