West Coast cut Alex Witherden, Jai Culley and Coby Burgiel as Eagles continue overhaul

West Coast have continued their list overhaul with defender Alex Witherden, Jai Culley and uncapped youngster Coby Burgiel informed they would not receive contracts for next season.

Witherdan was recruited from Brisbane at the end of the 2020 season and played 62 games for the Eagles having been a regular part of their defence, particularly as others went down with injury.

The 26-year-old played 18 games this season despite being dropped earlier in the year but was left out of West Coast’s final round loss to Geelong.

Culley burst on the scene with a four-goal performance last season after being picked up as the No.1 pick in the 2022 mid-season draft but his breakout performance was curtailed by an ACL injury shortly afterwards.

He came back to feature in three games during the 2024 season but failed to lock down his spot.

Burgiel was selected with pick 29 in the 2022 AFL draft but suffered repeat hamstring injuries which had restricted him to limited WAFL appearances before stringing together 12 WAFL games and five goals this season.

While Culley and Witherden’s time at the Eagles is over, the club said they may consider Burgiel for a train-on position during the pre-season.

“On behalf of the club I would like to acknowledge the contributions Alex, Jai and Coby have made to West Coast and thank them for their service,” General Manager Football Gavin Bell said.

“It is always a difficult time when these decisions have to be made and all three are terrific young men who have been valued members of the playing group.

“We wish them every success in their future endeavours.”

The changes come after Jamaine Jones, Zane Trew and Jordyn Baker were cut last month.

It leaves defender Josh Rotham, who had attracted interest from Essendon, and Luke Edwards whose season came to an end after another concussion, as the only to Eagles without a deal for next season.