AFLW 2026: West Coast Eagles add Sandover Medallist Kane Mitchell to coaching set-up

Despite a maiden finals campaign, West Coast will twist rather than stick with their coaching setup, with former Port Adelaide player and Claremont star Kane Mitchell joining their ranks.

The Eagles are coming off their most successful season after winning a record six games to finish eighth and make finals for the first time in their seven-year history.

Coach Daisy Pearce will hope to use the success of 2025 as a launching pad for the upcoming season as the club continues to reshape under her leadership.

2012 Sandover Medal-winner Mitchell will take up the reins of the Eagles’ midfield, charged with developing rising stars such as Ella Roberts and Lucia Painter.

The former Port midfielder, who won two premierships at Claremont, has recently spent time coaching at Quairading Football Club and Scotch College.

It’s part of a coaching panel overhaul that sees former Eagle and Academies Coordinator Chad Morrison take over as the full-time backline coach, while Darrin Harris, who joined the club’s board in 2024 as a coaching mentor, will be a part-time forwards coach.

Eagles Head of Women’s Football Michelle Cowan said she is excited for what the new appointments will bring in for the 2026 season.

“We’ve all had a great break and are really excited about the upcoming AFLW season,” Cowan said.

“We look forward to announcing our full coaching lineup and changes as they’re finalised, but in the meantime, the appointments of Darren, Chad and Kane represent the ongoing enhancement of our program.

“We’re thrilled to add their experience and skillsets to our coaching ranks in 2026.

As a result of the new additions, forward coach Rohan McHugh, also served as interim coach for two games after Michael Prior’s shock resignation in 2023, will depart the set-up.

“As we move forward with the program and see new people join the team, unfortunately, we also need to say farewell and thank you to others,” Cowan said.

“Rohan has been a long-term member of the team, and we thank him for his contribution over the last four seasons.”