Ex-Eagle Will Schofield came out of retirement after an SOS from West Coast’s WAFL side, but not even his return could stop another 100-plus point belting.
West Coast are in the midst of an extraordinary injury crisis, with just 26 fit players to choose from last weekend for AFL duties.
The shocking toll has ensured West Coast’s WAFL outfit has been left depleted, with all available and fit players needed for the AFL.
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But to make matters worse, the Eagles’ WAFL squad is also battling a massive injury toll – with early fears the club could have been forced to postpone their clash against East Fremantle last weekend.
Instead, it was the 34-year-old Schofield who stepped up to come out of retirement to help his former club in their time of need.
And he managed to see the funny side of the match, despite the 108-point drubbing.
“Been saying for a long time, playing forward ain’t that hard,” he posted on Twitter with a laughing emoji.
“That was a bit of fun. I feel very old.”
Schofield said he planned to return next week for West Coast’s WAFL clash with Claremont, as the injury toll remains high.
Wearing jumper 81, Schofield played predominantly as the deepest forward for West Coast and racked up eight touches and a goal from just inside 50 directly in front.
While Schofield got an early touch and had his first shot on goal fall just short, West Coast copped a second straight 100-point plus drubbing.
Last weekend, the Eagles were described as an “embarrassment” as they coughed up more than 100 points to half time and ended up 169-point losers to West Perth.
West Coast Eagles Press Conference | 08:35
“The result on the weekend was not good for footy, not good for the competition,” WAFC chairman Wayne Martin said on SEN.
“We were hoping that this year West Coast’s WAFL side was going to be more competitive because frankly it was an embarrassment to the competition last year and it’s starting to look a bit the same.”
The Eagles had earlier described Schofield’s offer to return as a “fantastic gesture”.
“It’s terrific that Will has reached out to come back and help the club he previously played for in its time of need,” WAFL coach Rob Wiley said.
“Our WAFL list has also lost a significant amount of on-field leadership in recent weeks with vice-captain Zane Sumich recovering from surgery, while Harry Creasey and Mitch Henderson have both sustained significant ankle injuries that are going to keep them on the sidelines for a long period of time.
“Will’s a premiership player at this club and he has a genuine love for the club. It’s a fantastic gesture that Will has put himself out there to come back and help.”
