Eagles rocked as Hunt retires and trio delisted in major shake-up
It’s been a massive week for the West Coast Eagles, and honestly, it feels like the winds of change are blowing harder than ever at the club. Let’s start with the headline news — Jayden Hunt, the speedy winger who brought pace and spark to both Melbourne and West Coast across his career, has officially hung up the boots. At 30 years old, Hunt announced his retirement after playing 172 AFL games, including 58 in the blue and gold since joining the Eagles in 2023.
Hunt wasn’t just a quick runner; he was someone who brought experience, professionalism, and leadership to a side that’s been battling through some really tough seasons. In his first year at West Coast, he played every single game, averaged close to 19 disposals, and even finished fourth in the club’s best and fairest award, the John Worsfold Medal. That kind of consistency was exactly what the rebuilding Eagles needed. Reflecting on his career, Hunt thanked both Melbourne, who drafted him back in 2013, and West Coast, saying he’d been welcomed instantly and had enjoyed his time despite the challenges. He also paid tribute to his family and friends who supported him across more than a decade in the AFL.
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But Hunt’s retirement is only one part of the story. Just hours after his announcement, the Eagles confirmed that three more players would not be returning next season. Speedy small forward Jack Petruccelle, key defender Callum Jamieson, and rookie Loch Rawlinson were all delisted as the club continued to reshape its list following a disastrous one-win campaign.
Petruccelle, who had been known for his bursts of pace and goal sense, leaves after 90 games and 71 goals across eight seasons, though he only managed two senior appearances in 2025. Jamieson, taken in the 2019 draft, was plagued by injuries and finished with just 17 games in six years. And Rawlinson, a rookie pickup from Sturt, made his debut during Gather Round in 2024 but didn’t add to that tally this year.
West Coast’s recruiting boss, Matt Clarke, praised the trio for their resilience, professionalism, and commitment despite the setbacks. He noted that delistings are always tough but emphasized that all three should be proud of the way they represented the club.
When you put this all together, it’s clear the Eagles are in the middle of a serious transition. On top of Hunt’s retirement and the three delistings, the club has already seen co-captain Oscar Allen explore a move to Brisbane, while veterans Dom Sheed and Jeremy McGovern also called time on their careers.
It feels like an end of an era but also the beginning of something new. West Coast fans will be watching closely to see how the next generation of players steps up — because one thing’s certain, the club is determined to turn the page and rise again.
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