Rebuilding West Coast bring brutal edge under Schofield

[Pelican Press 0]

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Rebuilding West Coast bring brutal edge under Schofield

West Coast are gaining a reputation for their brutality under interim coach Jarrad Schofield, and they’ll be aiming to continue that hard edge in Saturday’s clash with North Melbourne in Hobart.

Schofield’s chances of landing the top job full-time soared last Friday when he guided the Eagles to a 10-point win over Gold Coast.

West Coast’s physicality and hardness was widely praised after that win and it followed on from an equally physical and gutsy effort a week earlier against Fremantle.

“I think what we’ve learned – it’s taken us probably a little while to ******** – but the game’s won around the contest and the brutality and who can do it for longer,” West Coast co-captain Liam Duggan said.

“We’ve found a way in the last couple of weeks to really match it with some good sides.

“Against Gold Coast we did it for longer. The pressure at the end there was just phenomenal.

“It’s where the game’s won and lost these days.”

One player that typifies West Coast’s increased physicality is first-year sensation Harley Reid.

“He’s an absolute animal, we love the way he plays,” Duggan said.

“He’s finding that line too. It’s hard to wrestle all the time.

“Players give him a bit extra, too.

“They know he’s a good player and want to create a bit of a stir when they get him. But he’s up for the ******, well and truly.”

Duggan praised the impact Schofield has had on the group since premiership coach Adam Simpson departed in July.

“Schoey’s done a great job,” Duggan said.

“It was a tough time to take over the footy club and be thrown into that role.

“He did it really respectfully of Simmo.

“It’s great to get some reward for Schoey. He’s sunk his teeth into everything at the moment.

“I’ve enjoyed working under him.

“His name’s been thrown into the ring (for the full-time job) and the win against Gold Coast was another bit of evidence that he’s good enough in that role.”

Saturday’s match against North Melbourne will mark part 1 of Andrew Gaff’s retirement parade.

The Eagles have confirmed that Gaff will play against the Kangaroos before fronting up for an emotional farewell at home against Carlton next week.

North Melbourne (3-17) enter Saturday’s match on a high following last week’s 13-point win over Richmond.

WA-born Kangaroos forward Cam Zurhaar, who re-signed with North Melbourne this week until the end of 2029, would love nothing more than to beat the Eagles.

“I hated them (as a ****). I was a Freo man growing up so I never really liked West Coast. Still don’t,” Zurhaar said.

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