Jed Bews Joins West Coast Eagles WAFL Side
Former Geelong defender Jed Bews will continue his football career in Western Australia after joining the West Coast Eagles' WAFL program.
Quick facts
- Jed Bews played 175 games for the Geelong Cats between 2011 and 2026.
- Bews was a member of the Geelong premiership team in 2022.
- The West Coast Eagles WAFL side finished seventh in 2026 with 10 wins and eight losses.
Why it matters
The recruitment of experienced players like Jed Bews into WAFL programs reflects a growing trend among AFL clubs to bolster their state-league depth with veteran leadership. This strategy aims to bridge the gap between development and senior-level performance. The success of this move will likely be measured by the continued improvement of the Eagles' WAFL ladder position in the 2027 season.
Former Geelong defender Jed Bews is moving to Western Australia to join the West Coast Eagles' WAFL side, according to reports. The 32-year-old, who was delisted by the Geelong Cats at the conclusion of the 2026 AFL season, will transition into a new role following a career that spanned 175 games.
Why it is trending now
The move has drawn significant attention as it reunites Bews with former teammate and current West Coast assistant backline coach Mitch Duncan. According to Zero Hanger, Bews is expected to focus on the development space at the club, mirroring the career path taken by Duncan, who joined the Eagles as a development coach after retiring from the AFL in 2025.
Key facts
- Jed Bews was drafted to Geelong as a father-son selection in 2011 with Pick 86, as reported by Zero Hanger.
- He was a key part of the Geelong side that secured the 2022 premiership victory against the Sydney Swans.
- The West Coast Eagles' WAFL team experienced a notable improvement in the 2026 season, securing 10 wins and finishing seventh, according to Zero Hanger.
- Bews is described as an effective lockdown small-to-mid-sized defender at 186cm.
Why this is trending in Australia
The move is trending in Australia due to the high profile of both the player and the clubs involved. As a premiership player with a long tenure at a major Victorian club, Bews' transition to the WAFL is a point of interest for AFL fans tracking player movements during the off-season.
Background and context
Bews spent his entire AFL career at Geelong, establishing himself as a reliable defensive unit. His departure comes after the club's 2026 season, marking the end of a 15-year association with the Cats. The West Coast Eagles' WAFL program has been a focus for the club as they look to build depth, achieving their best win record in the 2026 season since their league debut in 2019.
What happens next
Bews will join the West Coast Eagles' football operations in Western Australia. While specific details regarding his contract or specific responsibilities within the development program were not available at the time of writing, he is expected to work alongside the existing coaching staff to assist with the growth of the club's WAFL talent pool.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Jed Bews?
Jed Bews is an Australian rules footballer who played 175 games for the Geelong Cats. He was drafted in 2011 and was a member of the club's 2022 premiership-winning team before being delisted at the end of the 2026 season.
Which team is Jed Bews joining?
Jed Bews has joined the West Coast Eagles' WAFL side. He will be working in the development space at the club, reuniting with former teammate and current West Coast assistant coach Mitch Duncan.
Why did Jed Bews leave Geelong?
Jed Bews was delisted by the Geelong Cats at the conclusion of the 2026 AFL season. Following this, he chose to relocate to Western Australia to continue his career in the WAFL.
What is the WAFL?
The WAFL stands for the West Australian Football League. It serves as a state-level competition in Western Australia, often used by AFL clubs to provide match practice and development opportunities for their listed players and staff.
Is Jed Bews retiring from football?
No, Jed Bews is not retiring from football. He is moving to Western Australia to play for the West Coast Eagles' WAFL side and is expected to contribute to the club's development program.
When did Jed Bews win a premiership?
Jed Bews was a member of the Geelong Cats team that won the AFL premiership in 2022, defeating the Sydney Swans in the Grand Final.
In this story
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Trend snapshot
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- Oct 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Last checked Oct 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work · How we verify
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