Andrew McQualter Studies NBA Tactics in United States
The West Coast coach visited high-profile basketball staff during a September 2026 trip to improve his AFL programme.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball
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In September 2026, West Coast Eagles coach Andrew McQualter travelled to the United States to embed himself with elite NBA coaching staffs. The trip aimed to refine his tactical approach following a challenging start to his tenure at the helm of the Australian club.
Why it matters
McQualter seeks to translate international coaching insights into improved on-field results for the upcoming AFL season. His visit to top-tier basketball minds underscores a strategic effort to revitalise the Eagles following recent roster changes including the acquisition of Jack Viney and Trent Rivers.
During the September 2026 visit, McQualter spent 4 days embedded with Phoenix Suns coach Jordan Ott. This trip follows his initial two-season record of 5 wins at West Coast.
The players
Andrew McQualter
He is the coach of the West Coast Eagles AFL club who recently sought external coaching expertise.
Steve Kerr
He is a decorated basketball coach who has won four NBA championships and guided the US men's team to Olympic gold in 2024.
Jordan Ott
He is an active coach for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA.
West Coast Eagles
They are a professional Australian Football League club based in Western Australia.
The details
McQualter focused his development efforts on learning from experienced basketball leaders to boost his coaching acumen. This initiative comes as the West Coast Eagles look to integrate new talent into their squad after the recent trade period.
Timeline
September 2026: Andrew McQualter visited coaching staffs in the United States.
October 2026: McQualter returned to Australia following the conclusion of the AFL trade period.
December 2026: The West Coast Eagles plan to initiate contract talks with McQualter.
Season Trajectory
This development activity reflects a broader trend of AFL coaches seeking cross-code insights to bridge performance gaps. It signals a move by the Eagles to stabilise their leadership ahead of a critical contract period for McQualter.
The acquisition of Jack Viney and Trent Rivers, paired with coaching refinements, creates immediate pressure for the club to improve on their five-win baseline. Supporters should monitor how these tactical adjustments influence the team's upcoming preseason preparations.
The takeaway
Adopting coaching philosophies from high-performance environments like the NBA serves as a common strategy for leaders aiming to break poor streaks. Implementing these learnings will be crucial for the Eagles to shift their win-loss record significantly in the coming season.
What happens next
The West Coast Eagles are scheduled to open contract talks with Andrew McQualter before Christmas 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of the game, read our latest updates on Basketball.
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