West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has revealed how the Eagles must avoid another Docklands’ disaster as they prepare for the Western Bulldogs on Sunday morning.

McQualter’s side has lost their past 11 games at Marvel Stadium by an average of 62 points, having last won there in round 22 of 2023 when they upset the Bulldogs by seven points.

Already this year, the Eagles have lost to St Kilda (101 points), Melbourne (32) and Carlton (53) under the roof and enter the match with a 1058-day drought at the venue.

McQualter said while they hadn’t delved too deeply into their Marvel Stadium woes, the way to rectify it would start at the contest.

“It’s definitely the record, and we understand that. It’s a little bit of a different ground to play at; that part is real. An indoor stadium and we haven’t delved into it too much,” he said.

“Certainly, the ability to win contests at Marvel Stadium is critical. I know everyone speaks about it being a fast deck, but I think it’s a contested ground.

“Yes, it is a bit quicker at times, but if you’re not good in the contest you’ll struggle at Marvel (Stadium).”

It is unsurprising that contested possessions are top of mind for McQualter as they head back to the venue, with the rampant Blues beating up on the Eagles around the ball less than a fortnight ago.

Josh Fraser’s in-form outfit won the contested possession count by 28, while they smashed the Eagles at the clearances 48-34 before smashing them on the spread by racking up 116 more uncontested disposals.

The tough venue isn’t the only headache facing McQualter as they look to add a fifth victory in 2026, with their first-quarter woes also heavily hindering their ability to win games.

West Coast have been ahead at quarter-time only three times from 16 games this season, with their latest loss to Adelaide at Optus Stadium on Friday night highlighting their early struggles.

The Crows kicked eight of the first nine goals before the home side were able to arrest the momentum on their way to a 25-point defeat.

It’s also been a particular struggle at Marvel Stadium where they’ve kicked only three goals in first quarters, while they’ve conceded 14.

McQualter said they had continued to look at how they rectify their slow starts but would not reveal the methods they would implement.

“We’re going to adjust some things again this week. We spoke about it in our mindset session, and it’s been too common a theme, unfortunately. There’s been some trends in our game (in) quarter ones that we’re trying to rectify,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s hard. Part of our challenge has been contested ball, so it’s the ability to win the contest and not wait for the game, to step into the game. So that’s what we’ve got to do. We’ve got to be able to be proactive into the game, not just wait to see what the game gives us.

“We’ve spent a lot of time talking about it, and I know the Dogs will have as well because their games have been dictated too by quarter ones, so it’s going to be a fierce quarter one; it has to be on the weekend.”

West Coast’s Marvel Stadium Losing Streak

Round 3, 2024 v Western Bulldogs - 76 point loss

Round 9, 2024 v Collingwood - 66 point loss

Round 15, 2024 v Essendon - 30 point loss

Round 19, 2024 v St Kilda - 72 point loss

Round 7, 2025 v Hawthorn - 50 point loss

Round 16, 2025 v Collingwood - 29 point loss

Round 21, 2025 v Melbourne - 83 point loss

Round 23, 2025 v Western Bulldogs - 94 point loss

Round 7, 2026 v St Kilda - 101 point loss

Round 9, 2026 v Melbourne - 32 point loss

Round 16, 2026 v Carlton - 53 point loss