Liam Ryan: Andrew McQualter says Eagles forward ‘will be with us next year’ despite St Kilda trade speculation

West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has emphatically dismissed the prospect of Liam Ryan switching clubs at season’s end, declaring: “Liam will be with us next year”.

Ryan’s future has been the subject of conjecture this week with reports St Kilda have a three-year contract on the table for the premiership player, while Port Adelaide and Essendon have also been linked as potential suitors.

The 28-year-old is still contracted for next season, but it is believed Ryan would be open to a move if it suited both him and the club.

Speaking on Thursday morning, McQualter was bullish on Ryan remaining with the Eagles next year despite the speculation around his future.

“Liam’s a contracted player. He’s an important player for us,” he said.

“If you read every article about player movement this time of the year, there’s 500 players changing clubs, which we know doesn’t end up happening like that.

“There’s always good players like Liam...they attract interest from other clubs which we understand.

“Liam will be with us next year.”

Meanwhile, McQualter all but confirmed The West Australian’s report on Wednesday that the club had begun contract negotiations to lock away unsigned midfielder Campbell Chesser beyond next year.

Chesser is coming off a career-best 22 disposals against the Western Bulldogs last weekend and has played the past three games after an ankle injury hindered his start to the season.

“It’s a credit to Campbell. I spoke to him the other day about how difficult a position it is when you’re a player that’s out of contract and you haven’t had much opportunity — you need a lot of grit to be able to put your focus towards what’s important and he’s done a great job of that,” McQualter said.

“We’ve seen the last three weeks what we were hoping we will see from Campbell as a player and he’s got a really exciting future at our football club.

“It’s been a challenge for Chesser playing consistent footy over his time at the football club. He’s had some rotten luck with injury and he’s had a great run at this year, driven by him.

“He’s trained really hard, got himself in good condition, he’s had a bit of luck with his body which he needed and he’s reaping the benefits of that now.”

After the Eagles close out their one-win season against Sydney at Optus Stadium on Saturday night, McQualter’s next big task is several tough exit meetings where he will have to tell players they are no longer required at the club.

“I’ve seen it every year at football clubs. I’ve been involved in footy for a long time, so I’ve seen it happen,” he said.

“I understand that it’s the nature of our game and that’s what happens.

“We’ll have every exit interview in the most respectful way possible with the plan to get everyone better.”