West Coast's search for its next senior coach appears to be ending, with reports indicating the role has been snatched up by Melbourne assistant Andrew McQualter, narrowly beating out Collingwood's Hayden Skipworth.

McQualter and Collingwood's Hayden Skipworth were reportedly the two options the Eagles were mulling over, with Geelong midfield coach Steven King next in line.

Having spent four seasons as a development coach with Richmond's VFL team between 2013 and 2016, before moving to the AFL side in various roles, and has been an assistant coach at Melbourne in 2024, the former St Kilda player finally gets his chance.

โ€œI have been working towards this moment for the last 10 years and, I'm thrilled to be appointed as coach of the West Coast Eagles,โ€ McQualter said.

โ€œI am aware that there is much work to do, and I am definitely up for that.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 23: Melbourne assistant coach Andrew McQualter looks on before during the round 24 AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on August 23, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

โ€œThere is some exciting young talent at the club with a mix of outstanding players, and I couldn't be more excited to get over there and get to work with them.โ€

An announcement from West Coast made the news official, with CEO Don Pyke excited by what lies ahead.

โ€œWe believe Andrew has the professional and personal qualities and experience required to guide our team. We are excited to have someone of his calibre leading our football program forward,โ€ Pyke said.

โ€œWe were in a fortunate position where we had three exceptional candidates short-listed with Andrew possessing the credentials and vision needed to help us make strong progress.

โ€œAndrew has a firm vision of what needs to be done and is ready to embrace the opportunity of being an AFL senior coach.

โ€œWe welcome Andrew, Jane, Emily, Alice and Georgia to our West Coast family.โ€

McQualter had a taste of the senior coaching role when he was interim coach at Richmond in 2023 after Hardwick stepped down mid-season. He coached 13 games for a 7-6 winning record

The McQualter inclusion could help the club make strong plays for Richmond trio Liam Baker, Shai Bolton and Jack Graham, with the latter already receiving a contract offer.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 23: Tim Taranto of the Tigers speaks to Andrew McQualter who will be the new Tigers Interim coach after Damien Hardwick spoke to the media during a Richmond Tigers AFL press conference at Punt Road Oval on May 23, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

It is understood that Baker and Graham will head west and follow McQualter to the Eagles.

Bolton is yet to officially nominate a preferred destination.

The 38-year-old, who played 94 senior games with St Kilda and Gold Coast, will relocate with his young family in the coming months.

He will become just the seventh AFL senior coach in the 38-year history of the club.

The Eagles will hold a press conference Monday afternoon to formally introduce McQualter to the club.