‘Love you mate’: Ex-West Coast champion Will Schofield’s family tragedy

2018 West Coast premiership champion Will Schofield has revealed the tragic passing of “the biggest influence on my life”.

The AFL premiership winner has revealed the tragic news. Photo: Getty Images and Twitter

Former West Coast Eagles premiership winner Will Schofield has revealed the tragic death of one of his brothers.

One of three brothers, Will took to Twitter to reveal his older brother Jason had died.

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The 34-year-old paid tribute to his brother, writing that he had “been a father figure to me”, particularly after their dad died in 2012.

“Last night we lost my big brother Jase,” Schofield wrote.

“I’ve always viewed media me and my private life as very separate things. I wanted to share this with a wider audience though as my brother Jase has been the biggest influence on my life and I’m very proud to be his brother.

“There’s 18 years between Jase and I, I’ve lived on the other side of the country for half my life, but I couldn’t ask for a closer or better relationship with a brother.

“Jase, you’ve taught me some of the most important lessons in life and been a father figure to me. Especially after the loss of Dad.

Jas and Will. Photo: Twitter

Doesn't get sweeter than this. Photo: Twitter

“You’ve taught me the importance of mateship, of listening to people when they speak, that there’s a right way and a wrong way of doing things – nothing in between. Family comes first, no matter what. Celebrate the good times.

“Don’t ever miss moments with your mates where there’s an opportunity to have fun.

“You had a special ability to connect and understand people, a memory like no other. I always admired you for those things, but have only recently understood why – it’s because you cared so much.

“Rom and I will be here to look after Sar, Riley and Chlo and to make sure Mum has someone by her side. The strength our family has shown over the past 18 months has been unbelievable – lead by your determination and fight.

“You’ve always been so proud of all of my achievements and special moments throughout my life – I’ve just been proud to call you my brother.

“Im sad that your nephews Nash and Sid won’t get to know you like I do, but know that they’ll always remember their big Uncle Jase.

Jase with his nephews. Photo: Twitter

It’s a tragic loss for the Schofield family. Picture: Mark Stewart

"The best brother, father, son, husband, uncle, in-law, friend and mate anyone could ask for.

“Rest easy brother – you’ve left a legacy that will not be forgotten. I will miss you more than words can say.

“I love you mate.” ️

Social media has also wrapped its arms around the former AFL star, passing on their condolences for his loss.

Schofield played 194 games in his AFL career for West Coast, playing 14 seasons of senior football including winning the 2018 premiership with the club.

Schofield the retired from the AFL in 2020 and moved into a career in media, hosting the BackChat Podcast with ex-teammate Hamish Brayshaw and journalist Dan Const.

While he still played for WAFL side Peel in 2021, he retired after suffering spinal and kidney damage in a collision in June of that season.

He also appears on Fox Footy matches out of Perth and writes columns for CODE Sports.

But Schofield come out of retirement in April this year, playing two games for the Eagles’ WAFL team in the middle of an injury crisis which rocked the club, tallying 19 disposals and a goal across his matches.

He retired again by May.