West Coast fans have taken to social media to express their surprise at the club’s decision to de-list forward-ruck Jack Williams.
After the trade period concluded on Sunday, the Eagles announced on Friday the 24-year-old had not been offered a contract for next season.
Williams made 54 senior appearances across his five years with the club, kicking 46 goals.
He featured in at least 10 AFL games in each of the last four seasons, with his 12 in 2026 including the final eight of their campaign.
On West Coast’s Facebook post announcing the move, the reaction from their fans in the comments was one of near-universal surprise.
“He’s only 22. Big blokes don’t come good until they are at least 24 or 25. There is a lot of upside in Williams,” Jeff Seaby said.
“I thought Williams would have got another contract,” Mark Mitchell added.
“Williams might come back to haunt us,” said Brent Anderson.
After Reuben Ginbey (quad) and Harry Edwards (concussion) suffered season-ending injuries midway through last year, Williams was briefly trialled in the back-line, a move some supporters believed should have helped him retain his spot on their list.
“We don’t have any height in defence and this lad is versatile,” Sanjay Suri said.
Ben Summersby backed the 198cm utility to replicate one of the club’s greatest ever defenders, saying: “Williams could have easily taken a (Jeremy) McGovern role”.
The West Australian understands Tasmania have expressed an interest in recruiting Williams to play for their VFL side next year ahead of their entry into the AFL in 2028.
Williams was de-listed alongside midfielders Clay Hall and Harry Schoenberg. Hall did not play at senior level last season, while Schoenberg featured in five games after crossing from Adelaide.