Geelong premiership backman Jed Bews has signed a two-year deal to play for West Coast’s WAFL side as they look to return to finals for the first time since 2019.
Bews joins the Eagles’ reserve side after 175 games at the Cats, including being part of the 2022 premiership, but could not break in for an AFL match this year.
The 32-year-old joins former Western Bulldogs listed defender Zac Walker as two big inclusions for West Coast, who just missed out on September action this year after a club record 10-win home-and-away season under coach Kyal Horsley.
“It’s an exciting new chapter for myself over here in WA,” Bews said.
“I’m pumped and looking forward to catching up with all the guys and getting to work.”
West Coast head of WAFL football Steve Trewhella said Bews would be a valuable addition both on and off the field.
“Jed’s experience and leadership will be instrumental in the development of the West Coast Eagles WAFL program, including our younger cohort of developing players,” Trewhella said.
“We see Jed playing a lead role as the program looks to continue to build on the momentum and ground it gained in the 2026 season.”
As revealed by The West Australian, Walker, 20, signed on to play for the Eagles after he was delisted by the Western Bulldogs after 18 months on their list.
“I’m very excited to get started; I’ve met a few of the boys already, and it’s been great,” Walker said.
“I’m keen to get to work with everyone and looking forward to having a good year.”
Trewhella said the club was eager to help the young Victorian continue his development.
“Zac demonstrated significant structural flexibility in his 24 games in the VFL and was often thrown forward as a target, which allowed him to showcase his high ceiling as a modern-day swingman,” Trewhella said.
“He showed his versatility during the Bulldogs’ 2025 finals campaign that resulted in a VFL premiership, and he’s a self-starter who is highly motivated to continue developing his football at an elite level.
“We’ve already seen that commitment since his relocation to Perth, training alongside a large cohort of our AFL-listed players throughout the off-season.”