Prior quits as Eagles coach after AFLW controversy

Michael Prior has quit as West Coast’s AFLW coach, less than two weeks after his “unacceptable” fixturing controversy.

Following a 70-point loss to Melbourne in round seven, Prior blasted the decision to pit the struggling Eagles against defending premiers Melbourne, saying: “How we play that team is beyond me. That is what you get when you get fixturing like that.”

He later backtracked on the criticism, labelling his comments as “unacceptable”.

Since taking the reins of the women’s team in 2022, Prior’s Eagles have won just five of 28 games and sit third from the bottom this year.

The club registered their second victory last round against Essendon, after what captain Emma Swanson called a “horror week”.

“I’ll leave on a high after being a part of an exciting win at Windy Hill on Sunday,” Prior said on Wednesday.

“I made the decision earlier in the season that this would be my last as…