West Coast Eagles move Elijah Hewett to WAFL to rebuild midfield form

West Coast Eagles coach Andrew McQualter said 21‑year‑old Elijah Hewett has been playing out of position and was dropped ahead of the club’s clash with Melbourne at Marvel Stadium. The club will send Hewett back to the WAFL to play as a genuine midfielder, hoping to develop his capacity after a series of low‑disposal games – eight disposals against Richmond and three against Fremantle – since returning from a quad injury.

Hewett, the No. 14 pick in the 2022 draft, is out of contract at the end of the season. The Eagles have reportedly offered him a five‑year deal worth about $700,000 per year, but other Melbourne‑based clubs are also watching. The move follows a broader reshuffle that sees key defender Harry Edwards return from concussion, while other young players vie for spots in the senior side.

The decision underscores West Coast’s focus on rebuilding its midfield depth amid a five‑game losing streak, with Hewett’s future hinging on his performance in the WAFL.