John Worsfold returns to Eagles in new role of Head of Football
What’s old is new again at the Eagles, with a club legend making his return as CEO Don Pyke continues his overhaul following the appointment of Andrew McQualter.
West Coast CEO Don Pyke’s overhaul of the Eagles took another step towards becoming the new adventures of old West Coast with the return of club legend John Worsfold announced on Tuesday afternoon.
Worsfold, a premiership coach in 2006 and a dual premiership captain in 1992 and 1994, becomes the second premiership captain to return to the club after 2018 skipper Shannon Hurn stepped back into an assistant coaching role.
Worsfold will take on the freshly created position of “Head of Football – West Coast Eagles”, which means that his responsibilities will include coaching structure, development, performance and culture” across both the mens and women's programs at the club.
Worsfold had spent the past four years working in a similar role with ASX-listed company Emeco Group.
The new role for Worsfold comes ahead of any announcement of a fresh coaching structure under new coach Andrew McQualter with an announcement still to come on whether interim coach Jarrad Schofield will remain with the club after being overlooked for the senior role.
“We are excited to see John rejoin the club in a role which we believe will be significant across our football programs. His coaching and football experience will provide vital assistance, leadership and support for our AFL, AFLW and WAFL teams,” Pyke said in a club statement.
“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.”
It had been thought that Worsfold might be targeted for a spot as a club director with a feeling that the club’s board could use an injection of football IQ to sit alongside the strong business acumen it clearly has.
It will be Worsfold’s first official involvement with the club since he was replaced as senior coach at the end of 2013 to start Adam Simpson’s reign.
He went on to play a mentor’s role at Adelaide in the wake of Phil Walsh’s tragic death, before accepting the senior coaching position at Essendon as the Bombers tried to rebuild from the rubble of the supplements scandal.
“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,” Worsfold 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.”
Worsfold’s appointment will help to co-ordinate the work of three existing football managers at the club: Gavin Bell (AFL), Michelle Cowan (AFLW) and Steve Trewhella (WAFL).
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