WEST Coast has been one of the surprise packets of the 2026 season, but not necessarily for good reason. 

Daisy Pearce's Eagles made a barnstorming run to the finals last year, but haven't been able to replicate that form this season and are currently working their way through a winless start. 

The Eagles are one of just four teams that are 0-4 through the first month of the season, alongside Essendon, Collingwood and St Kilda.

"What has surprised me is the West Coast Eagles. Over the past few years we thought they were going to continue to go up and up, but they're 0-4 right now," Collingwood defender Jordyn Allen began on AFL.com.au's Tagged.

"It's a big surprise and I don't think anyone's talking about that start, it's been really surprising," Western Bulldogs forward Elaine Grigg added.

Despite the poor start to 2026, the Eagles were backed to bounce back and continue their upwards trajectory.

22:51

TAGGED: Daisy’s reputation is challenged, Hosko gets heated

Dynamic Doggie Jasmyn Smith ignites beef with Sarah Hosking, Jordyn Allen is surprised by West Coast’s winless run, and Elaine Grigg makes a case for casual kits on this week’s episode of Tagged

Published on Sep 7, 2026

"I think since Daisy has come in as coach, she's had that reputation of building the side and each year they've got better and better," Western Bulldogs winger Jasmyn Smith said. 

"Even last year they made finals and had a really great year. To start 0-4 has been interesting, but even their game on the weekend showed glimpses of what we saw last year and that was against one of the best sides in the competition in Melbourne."

Smith pointed to the fact that the Eagles won the first quarter against the Dees and played some impressive footy in the first half as an indicator of the fact they may be starting to turn their form around, with a first win potentially on the horizon.

"I think that was really impressive by them considering their start and hopefully they can continue to build on that a little bit more," Smith said. 

Ella Roberts handballs during Waalitj Marawar's clash against Narrm in round four, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

Eagles superstar Ella Roberts is starting to find some form again, while Charlotte Thomas and Lucia Painter are others who have lifted their game in recent weeks.

Pearce's troops host a wounded Brisbane this week which will be a tough task, but after that they have consecutive fixtures against fellow winless teams in St Kilda and Essendon before a Western Derby in round eight. 

Can the Eagles cause an upset this weekend and get their season back on track?