Liam Duggan and Liam Baker will lead the West Coast Eagles as co‑captains for the 2026 AFL season, with the club confirming a seven player leadership group on Thursday.
Duggan enters his third season as co‑captain, while Baker steps into the role after a superb debut season in blue and gold, highlighted by his John Worsfold Medal win.
His elevation to captaincy caps a remarkable first year and reflects the strong trajectory he is carving at the club.
Baker said the appointment came with a few nerves but plenty of excitement.
“It’s an exciting time for the club and myself," Baker said.
"To be joining ‘Duggo’ for the season is very exciting and I’m looking forward to a good 2026."
Having arrived amid the club’s transition, Baker said he felt energised by its direction.
“I feel like we ticked a lot of boxes last year and are getting ready for the future," Baker said.
“We’re a very young list, but there have been a lot of good signs. I’m loving my time at West Coast so far.”
Baker said Duggan’s consistency and care were key reasons he was eager to lead alongside him.
“His care for the whole group, for the footy club, his passion stands out," Baker said.
"He’s been through some hard yards and some great times as well and I know he’s excited about the future of the club.”
For Duggan, the honour remains as meaningful as ever.
“It’s a huge honour,” Duggan said.
“To feel the backing of the boys is great, and being able to do it with ‘Bakes’ is a really great opportunity for us."
Duggan further praised Baker’s immediate impact.
“His on‑field performance last year and his standards on the training track have been second to none,” Duggan said.
“We’re very different leaders, which I think will be great moving forward, and to share the load with ‘Bakes’ is a great appointment for the club.”
Joining the co‑captains in the 2026 leadership group are returning members Jake Waterman and Jack Graham, along with three new additions in Reuben Ginbey, Matt Flynn and new recruit Brandon Starcevich.
Duggan said the group brought an exciting blend of youth, experience and diverse strengths.
“It’s a really diverse group, which I’m excited about.”
Both captains praised Ginbey’s elevation.
“He speaks so well and the way he plays, he wears his heart on his sleeve,” Baker said.
“He’s going to be a great leader in the future.”
Duggan was also full of praise for the star defender.
“Reuben is lighting the track up, doing everything asked and more, I can’t wait to see him transition that into games,” Duggan said.
Flynn’s leadership has been recognised formally after ongoing influence behind the scenes.
“He’s (Flynn) been part of leading the team unofficially,” Baker said.
“He’s such a great leader with all the boys.”
Having built a close relationship with Flynn over the last few years, Duggan backed Flynn’s appointment.
“I’ve been a big fan of ‘Flynny’ for a long time,” Duggan said.
"He’s been a great sounding board for me throughout the last couple of years and I’m really excited for him to get the opportunity to have that formal title.”
Starcevich rounds out the group following his arrival from Brisbane, already making an impact with his defensive knowledge and communication.
“’Starce’ brings a wealth of experience and a lot of success,” Duggan said.
“It’ll be great to lean on him.”
As the Eagles enter their 40th year, both co‑captains believe the foundations are strong for continued improvement.
“We still need to keep working hard,” Baker said.
“I’m looking forward to what we can do this season.”
Duggan said the leadership group was ready to drive standards.
“We’re a big group, we’re a big club. Leading together, I think we can take the group in the right direction.”
