Jarrad Schofield had full confidence West Coast could execute late comeback as Eagles sweat over Harley Reid
West Coast interim coach Jarrad Schofield says he lives for moments like the one he experienced on the final siren of the Eagles’ thrilling five-point win over North Melbourne down in Hobart.
Schofield is quickly becoming the favourite to succeed his former boss Adam Simpson as the coach of the Eagles, with the 15.12 (102) to 14.13 (97) win his second in five games at the helm.
There has already been a groundswell of support for the former Eagle to take over the reigns and it’s likely to only gain momentum after he orchestrated an incredible comeback, with the Eagles 35 points down midway through the third term.
West Coast kicked 12 goals to seven after half-time including the final four of the game to snap a nine-game losing streak away from home and claim their first at Blundstone Arena since 2012.
Schofield said he had full faith in the players to execute the message he’d given them in the lead up to the win.
“The heart was racing a little bit but you live for those moments. Not to say I want it to be too close all the time but that’s why you coach, that’s why you enjoy it,” Schofield said.
“We strategise over those periods of the game. Even in our Captain’s Run meeting yesterday, (we spoke about) if we get caught in these moments of whether we have to defend a lead or try to win the game and they executed.
“And that’s the growth of the players. They’re listening to the consistent message and it’s also installing a bit of belief that we are going to be in these moments. It was heart wrenching at the end but I had full faith in the players to execute and the messaging going out.”
Schofield said he was unsure how much weight consecutive wins would carry when it came to deciding the next Eagles coach.
“What I’ve said all along is I’m in a position which I’m thankful for and grateful for,” he said.
“I get an opportunity to help the team be better and I’m enjoying coaching, as I’ve said many times.
“I’m enjoying what I’m doing because it’s the players that are getting for all their hard work and coaching staff that we’re putting in. So yeah, why not? Why wouldn’t you enjoy it?”
The only concern coming out of the game was a lower leg injury to No.1 draftee Harley Reid late in the third term.
Camera IconHarley Reid finished the game under an injury cloud. Credit: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Reid played out the final quarter after a fitness test on the bench, but was used mainly as a forward.
“I’m not sure exactly what it was but it was a lower leg (injury). He just wasn’t 100 per cent but we thought he’s a match-winner too, so we thought let’s try something a bit different,” Schofield said.
“We were there to try to win the game and we know that if he gets his hand on the ball, he’s either going to score or impact with someone.
“We decided to put him forward and he finished off, but I’m not 100 per cent sure what it is.”
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