Jai Culley Biography

West Coast delists Alex Witherden, Jai Culley, and Coby Burgiel.

"On behalf of the club I would like to acknowledge the contributions Alex, Jai and Coby have made to West Coast and thank them for their service,” West Coast general manager football Gavin Bell said.

"It is always a difficult time when these decisions have to be made and all three are terrific young men who have been valued members of the playing group.

"We wish them every success in their future endeavours."

Scans have confirmed an ACL injury to Jai Culley, sustained in the opening minutes of the Eagles match against Richmond.

“Unfortunately, scans have confirmed the worst for Jai and he will miss the remainder of the season,” Eagles’ footy boss Gavin Bell said.

“It is a terribly disappointing result for him and the club only nine games into his AFL career. We know Jai will attack his rehabilitation with the utmost professionalism and determination, and the club will support him through the process.”

Jai Culley is the 2023 round six AFL Rising Star Award nominee after kicking four goals against Port Adelaide.

"He's a midfielder, but we don't have any forwards at the moment so we've got a couple of mids pushing forward," Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.

"He's 194cm and he can take a grab so he's trained that role briefly in pre-season, his second role as a key-position forward, and he got a look at ground level.

"I'm really pleased for him that he's found a little niche there and keeps his spot in the side and he's given us a good look."

After an impressive pre-season, Jai Culley is eyeing a regular spot in the Eagles' midfield.

"You have to have that belief and confidence in your ability to play and I think I'm ready, so hopefully I can take that spot," he said.

"We've got a few new draftees and Jack Redden retired, so there is some space in there, but competitiveness in training is good and we're all fighting for those spots this year, especially in the midfield."

Jai Culley makes his AFL debut for West Coast at the MCG with 12 disposals (5 kicks and 7 handballs), a mark and 11 tackles in a 25-point loss to Hawthorn.