WEST Coast coach Andrew McQualter has tapped into one of world sport's most decorated coaches as part of a quickfire learning trip in the US.
The Eagles coach headed to America in late September and early October as he continues to look at new ways to evolve his own coaching as he heads into his third season in charge of West Coast next year.
McQualter's trip included a day alongside Steve Kerr, who is the head coach of the Golden State Warriors in the NBA and the head coach of the US national team, before then having four days with Jordan Ott, the head coach of the Phoenix Suns.
Ott and McQualter have struck up a relationship through Luke Darcy's connection group Aleda, which sees business people, coaches and high performers connect globally to collaborate and improve in their respective leadership positions.
Ott is considered a rising young coach in the NBA, having been appointed to the job in the middle of 2025 after a long apprenticeship as an assistant.
The time at the Suns saw McQualter be embedded with the team and have access to coaches' planning meetings, working with analysts and other staff to understand and learn how they operate. He was back for the end of trade period last week as the Eagles landed Melbourne premiership duo Jack Viney and Trent Rivers in deadline day deals.
McQualter's links to Phoenix extended to the WNBA squad, with player Sami Whitcomb the wife of Kate Malpass, who was formerly Richmond's physio and who now lives in Perth.
McQualter spent a decade at the Tigers, including being their interim coach after Damien Hardwick's sudden departure in 2023.
His development trip to the US came as McQualter had pushed his players at the Eagles' best and fairest to "raise the standard" as they continue along their rebuild.
"The next part's really clear. We sat in exit interviews with every player over the last two weeks, and we got an amazing commitment from these players to improve," he said.
"You'll get the same commitment from us as a coach and as a football department. We’ll provide you with the best environment, the best coaching, and the best tools that we can for you guys to be able to flourish.
"The challenge I'll give to our players is: Who will it be to raise the standard? To raise the level of where we're at? How many of you will challenge that standard to get better?
"Because the more of you who can answer yes to that, the easier it becomes for everyone, and that's where the real joy lives in football.
"The future won't be built by one of us. It won't be built by one player, one coach, or in one season. It's going to take many years of hard work to achieve what we want. Embrace the work ahead, lean into it, because I genuinely believe the future's bright here at the moment."
