The massive off-field changes at West Coast have continued but this time it's to bring back a very familiar face - club legend John Worsfold.
Worsfold has been named as West Coast's new head of football, in which he will work across the entirety of the club's football programs and teams.
The 56-year-old captained West Coast to two flags during his glittering 209-game career before coaching the club to the 2006 flag during his 12 years in charge.
Worsfold stepped down as West Coast coach at the end of 2013, before coaching Essendon from 2016-2020 to help the Bombers during their supplements saga.
More recently, Worsfold has spent the past four years as general manager of people and culture at the ASX-listed Emeco Group.
Worsfold's appointment at West Coast will complement the current football department structure and work in with existing football managers – Gavin Bell (AFL), Michelle Cowan (AFLW) and Steve Trewhella (WAFL).
The Eagles have listed November 4 as Worsfold's start date.
Worsfold's incoming arrival at West Coast continues a massive overhaul at the club.
Premiership coach Adam Simpson stepped down in July on the back of two-and-a-half years of poor results, with former Richmond assistant Andrew McQualter named as his replacement on a three-year deal.
Don Pyke was named as the club's new chief executive at the end of last year, replacing long-serving administrator Trevor Nisbett.
And last month, Elizabeth Gaines was voted in as West Coast's first female chair, replacing the departing Paul Fitzpatrick.
West Coast, who are in the midst of the biggest rebuild in the club's history, also have a new fitness boss and list manager, while Oscar Allen and Liam Duggan have just completed their first season as joint captains.
Former skipper Shannon Hurn was recently named as the club's development coach.
Worsfold's football legacy was recently recognised by the AFL Coaches Association when he won the 2024 Neale Daniher Lifetime Achievement Award.
"We are excited to see John rejoin the club in a role which we believe will be significant across our football programs," Pyke said in a statement.
"His coaching and football experience will provide vital assistance, leadership and support for our AFL, AFLW and WAFL teams.
"We have a fresh and exciting group of leaders within our football programs and the opportunity to add someone with John's experience is significant as we move towards future success."
Worsfold is looking forward to working at West Coast in an official capacity for the first time since 2013.
"I am excited to be back at the West Coast Eagles as the club strives to progress into the next era of on-field success across all competitions," he said.
"I have been fortunate to learn a lot in my time and role at Emeco group that has added to my AFL leadership experience. It will be an exciting period to work with some outstanding leaders across all competitions."
