AFL Women’s, West Coast Eagles coach Michael Prior complains about having to play vs Melbourne, unfair fixture

West Coast AFLW’s Michael Prior has blasted the way the league is going, complaining his struggling side had to play reigning premiers Melbourne.

The Eagles, who have never won more than two games in a season since their introduction in 2020, are once again entrenched in the bottom four. Their only win in 2023 came against fellow contenders and recent expansion side Port Adelaide.

On Sunday, in 35 degree heat at home, the Eagles started well and were only narrowly behind at half-time, but were ultimately beaten by the Demons 11.16 (82) to 2.0 (12) , for their fourth worst defeat in AFLW history.

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But the fact his Eagles had to play Melbourne angered Prior in his post-match press conference.

With that question clearly in mind, Prior was asked about his general thoughts on the game, saying: “Tough outcome. I thought we got off to a good start. During our first half, our pressure was there.

“But at the end of the day, it was the team that won the Grand Final last year against the team that finished last.

“18 teams in the competition and only 10 games, the way we are playing this team is beyond me. That’s what you get when you get a montage like that.

When asked to elaborate on his complaint, he said: “It’s frustrating because I think there are 10 games, 18 teams, and the team that won it plays the team that came in last.

“I just don’t understand that part, and we need to look at it.”

The AFLW game is somewhat weighted, with better teams playing each other more often, but not exclusively, and the same goes for smaller teams.

For example, in 2023, reigning premiers Melbourne have been called to play Brisbane (1st in last year’s home-and-away season), Adelaide (3rd), Geelong (5th), Collingwood (6th) , Western Bulldogs (7th), North Melbourne (8th). ), GWS (11th), Fremantle (12th), Hawthorn (15th) and West Coast (16th) – six finalists and four non-finalists.

On the other hand, the Eagles were scheduled to play Melbourne (2nd), Adelaide (3rd), Western Bulldogs (7th), Gold Coast (9th), Essendon (10th), GWS (11th), Fremantle (12th), Carlton (14th). ), Port Adelaide (17th) and Sydney (18th) – three finalists and seven non-finalists.

Despite this disparity, Melbourne is 6-1 and sits third in the standings, while West Coast is 17th.

In the new CBA, it was agreed that the season would continue to expand – 12 rounds in 2025, potentially 14 rounds in 2027 by some measures – but a full 17-game round robin seems a long way off.