West Coast Eagles opt not to challenge captain Liam Duggan’s two-match ban at AFL Tribunal

West Coast co-captain Liam Duggan’s season is over after the Eagles opted not to challenge his suspension at the AFL Tribunal.

Duggan was offered a two-match ban for rough conduct following an incident involving Adelaide spearhead Riley Thilthorpe in the club’s nine-point loss to the Crows on Sunday.

The incident, which occurred in the third quarter of the Optus Stadium clash, was deemed careless conduct, high impact and high contact, resulting in a two-match sanction.

West Coast opted not to challenge the suspension and with two matches remaining in the home-and-away season, Duggan will not play again in 2025.

“After completing a thorough analysis of similar incidents with similar outcomes, the club has accepted Liam Duggan’s two match sanction,” the club said.

Duggan celebrated his 200th game against Adelaide.

Liam Baker is expected to be named captain for the remaining two games, with Jack Graham the only other player in the leadership group fit.

Graham returned from a four-match ban against the Crows after missing a month due to suspension for a homophobic slur.

Co-captain Oscar Allen has been ruled out for the season with injury, while co-captain Jeremy McGovern has retired. Jake Waterman is also part of the leadership group but is also out for the season with a shoulder injury.

West Coast will play the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Sunday before hosting Sydney at Optus Stadium in the club’s final game of the season next weekend.

Meanwhile, Adelaide have elected to challenge the one-match rough conduct charge offered to Rory Laird for an incident involving Eagles veteran Jamie Cripps. The appeal will be heard at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.