“I think we need a bit of experience”: Ginbey suggests a change in leadership may pave the way to victory

West Coast Eagles youngster Reuben Ginbey believes the club would benefit from an experienced senior coach in 2025 and beyond.

As the Eagles rebuild with interim coach Jarrad Schofield, the need to win is becoming more desperate, as Ginbey provides a young players' perspective of what he feels the club needs to get back on their feet.

Despite Fremantle going in as favourites for this weekend's Derby, Ginbey is confident that the Eagles will come out firing as they did earlier in the year.

“Western Derby’s a different kind of beast. That motivation you get, especially playing in a cross-town rival. They’re pretty strong at the moment, so I think that just gives us another bit of kick to really find our next level which we know we can do,” Ginbey told SEN WA.

On their quest to find a replacement for Adam Simpson, Ginbey believes West Coast should be targeting someone with a bit of experience as opposed to an untried coach.

“Obviously you don’t want a real new coach, I think we need a bit of experience there still. I guess experience is what will help lead our young group,” he said.

“We still have our awesome player leaders there, but I think a coach that has a bit of experience and is really behind and really knows what they’re getting into coming into West Coast.

“We’re a younger developing group. We just need a bit of that motivation and guidance to help us get to the next level. Which I know a lot of our young players will and obviously our leaders are awesome players who have done a lot.

“As a team we’ve got to get back to being competitive which we were at the start to middle of the year. Getting that pressure back, getting that contest back. Hopefully the next 5 weeks we can be super competitive and maybe drag a few weeks and get a bit of momentum going into next year.”

The Derby clash will take place at Optus Stadium at 8:10pm (AEST) as Schofield chases his first win as caretaker Eagles coach.