West Australian Football

AFL and three-time WAFL premiership player Jarrad Schofield has been appointed Subiaco colts coach for season 2009.

After drawing the curtain on his 326-game career after playing in Subiaco’s premiership team two weeks ago, Schofield will be taking on a new challenge by leading the colts program.

“I’m really excited about being appointed as the colts coach and certainly looking forward to the challenges the role will bring,” he said.

“Coaching is something I have always wanted to do and to have the opportunity at Subiaco where I started and finished my career is a real honour.”

Schofield started his involvement with Subiaco at the age of 11 after playing for Ocean Ridge Junior Football Club, Kingsley Junior Football Club and Hale School.

He was a member of Subiaco’s Lions Pride Development Program and progressed through to colts and played league football with Subiaco at the age of 18 in 1993.  He was drafted by the West Coast Eagles in 1992 and made his AFL debut in 1993 in Round 11 against the Sydney Swans at the SCG.

After being traded to Port Adelaide in 1998 he enjoyed success by being part of their 2004 AFL premiership team.

Schofield returned to WA in 2005, this time playing with the Fremantle Football Club. Injury restricted him to just two matches which resulted in him announcing his retirement from AFL football at the end of the season.

Rather than hang up the boots he returned to the Lions den and was a member of the 2006, 2007 and 2008 premiership sides.

Schofield was appointed Life Membership to the Subiaco FC in 2007.

Subiaco league coach Scott Watters believes Schofield will make a quality coach.

“One of the most pleasing aspects of Jarrad’s career has been the growth of his leadership and coaching capabilities,” Watters said.

“In recent years his contribution on field has been more than matched by his willingness to impart his knowledge to many of the younger players coming through.”