Already some positive vibes coming out of the club according to this article on the club’s website.
Here’s an extract.
While 2025 ultimately won’t be marked in the history books as one of the glory years, Hamilton is adamant that 2026 will be the beginning of a new chapter.
“Having been at the club for 13 years, through some of the most successful times, I know this club won’t be down for long,” Hamilton proclaimed.
“Already, the recruiting of players has commenced, and our loyal supporters can look forward to the introduction of some experienced talent, some players that left us coming back, new coaches and a rebuild of the hard-working, no-nonsense, ruthless club that we are.”
I would have expected that when Schoey was chatting to the board about coming back on board, it would have centred on what recuiting would be done to fill the many gaps in the teams list. If the club didn’t commit to some extensive recruiting, ie like Souths and Perth have done to great success then he would not have taken the job. Having worked at WC for some years he will be right onto those boys who have been delisted, he would also get some solid inside advice from Horse as well. There were a few quality players that didn’t get on with Wardman who will be welcomed back.
The recruiting wishlist should include a quality 203cm/105k++ ruckman, 2 experienced big bodied pacy mids, 2 key backs and a key forward for starters. Hopefully there will be a couple from the long term injury list that can have a full pre-season and get back to being regular players such as Braut, Lockyer and Foley.
We certainly have the right coach as far as current info on fringe AFL players goes. He would have a huge network of contacts. Bring it on Schoey! I hope a few of our complete duds get moved on quick. That’s where we need to start being ruthless.
I’d also like to see the grades supporting each other. It’s disappointing to see the colts and ressies players drifting off after their games
Suggestions that Petrucelli could be heading our way. If so a very good get, we need pace and he has bags of it. First of several recruits we badly need to get back to being competetive. Now for a ruckman that can compete against the quality big men at EP, SF and Cl.
Not a great vote of confidence in Subi. He’s basically saying that playing for Subi wasn’t going to be as good for his footy as playing with East Perth.
I suppose that’s plausible. Remember 10 years ago when players from Swans and Perth came to Subi for just that reason and played in finals. Boots on the other foot now.
Maybe so JL but in this comp if you add a few guns things can turn around pretty quickly as with sf this season. Hopefully he ends up with egg on his face
I’ve been overseas the last 3 weeks and see there’s some player movement happening. Petrucelli is a good get but disappointed to see Foley go.
I might be reading a bit too much into it, but it wouldn’t surprise if there was a bit of history between him and Schoey at West Coast. Perhaps Jarrad is a bit too hard on certain players which might not sit well with Foley.
Who knows but it does seem a strange time to move when a tried and tested coach comes on board who has dealt with Foley before.
Hopefully we’ll see more announcements around recruits soon.
Good to see Rumba back at the club as defensive coach. Also Paul Vines returns and hopefully Pridda stays on as midfield and stoppages coach. Things starting to come together which does give some hope for 2026.
Jacob Blight is a good pick up by the club if he doesn’t get poached by the local AFL vultures. I know a few Tigers supporters were disappointed he was delisted but will certainly add some much needed height and skill down back.
Surprised Freo haven’t got interested BC…especially with Pearce at the latter part of his career…but then again he was at Peel under their noses…and they weren’t overly interested.
