Former Subiaco Lions WAFL captain backs premiership-winning coach Jarrad Schofield for top job at West Coast

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Former Subiaco Lions WAFL captain backs premiership-winning coach Jarrad Schofield for top job at West Coast

Former Subiaco skipper Leigh Kitchin has backed his ex-coach Jarrad Schofield as the right man to lead West Coast, hailing his “incredible” ability to bring out the best in any player.

The 34-year-old played under the Eagles caretaker coach for four years from 2015, including in the premiership team for two of Schofield’s three flags.

It comes as current West Coast players, greats, experts and fans are calling for Schofield to be given the gig permanently on the back of the side’s two consecutive wins.

Kitchin said he wasn’t surprised to see Schofield’s instant results, given the impact he saw him have on the Lions.

“It was great playing under him, he’s the kind of coach who has an instant credibility with football players and has a presence about him that young men are drawn to and want to play for him,” Kitchin said.

“He definitely brings an edge to a group which I think in a contact sport like footy you need it — he wanted you to play on the edge but he never tried to make you a ******.

“He understood what your skills were and your strengths were and wanted you to focus on those not always focusing on your weakness.”

Kitchin said Schofield had a knack for bringing young players together and finding a way to get the best out of a group with different personalities.

“The way he coached was all about being committed, being hard at the contest, being physical and work rate and playing as a team,” he said.

“I think that’s what shines though the most with the young blokes, and you have seen over the last few weeks is they feel like they can be themselves – you’re still part of a team but you bring your strengths and you be yourself – and you can see the confidence they play with and the enthusiasm.

“I saw that a lot with Jarrad with different players, whether they were small forwards who were mercurial, he would bring out the best of that part of them – so like your Liam Bakers at the time you saw his flair and his creativeness, same with your Liam Ryans – whatever your talent was he magnified that part.”

The Subiaco midfielder believes Schofield would thrive under the pressure and scrutiny a head coach is under with media and fans.

“He’s super competitive and he knows who the important opinions are, he knows who to listen to and he’s done a good job of getting the right people around him off the field,” he said.

Camera IconSubiaco pair Leigh Kitchin and Lachlan Delahunty are chaired off after the win over Perth. Credit: Jack Foley/TheWest

“He’s got a great support network and I certainly don’t think the pressure of a head coaching role is anything he would shy away from I think he would embrace it.”

Kitchin is in his 10th year at the Lions, having played all 16 games this season, averaging about 22 disposals per round.

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