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Mid Gippsland league: Ex-West Coast man Will Schofield to play for Hill End

West Coast premiership defender Will Schofield will pull on the boots this weekend for just the second time since retiring. He speaks on the importance of country footy and his role change.

Will Schofield will play for Mid Gippsland club Hill End this weekend. Photo: Supplied.
Will Schofield will play for Mid Gippsland club Hill End this weekend. Photo: Supplied.

Will Schofield understands the importance of his country footy appearance this weekend.

A product of Geelong Football Netball League outfit Newtown & Chilwell, the West Coast premiership defender is all too aware of what the local club means.

Scholfield will pull on the boots for Mid Gippsland club Hill End on Saturday as part of the Carlton Draft — an initiative which sends former AFL players back to community level for a one-off matchday appearance.

The man himself describes it as a second return from retirement after pulling on the boots for West Coast’s WAFL side in 2023 when the Eagles were hampered by injuries.

“As much as the game is going to be fun, local footy netball clubs are all about taking care of each other,” Schofield said.

“It’s something people look forward to every weekend and hopefully we can have a win. The other guys who have been involved before me are all great players but I think I would be number one off the field.

“Hopefully I can give a few big in-game speeches and bring a bit of banter. I believe I’m close to becoming a Hillmen but I understand the last factor is taking a Hillman shot after the game.”

Schofield will be the first former AFL defender to take part in the Carlton Draft and he is “very happy” to represent his often underrated peers.

But he won’t be playing in defence for his new side.

“I don’t want to interrupt what the boys are doing down there, I’ve actually requested to play in the ruck,” Schofield said.

“Hopefully I can bring some contested and clearance work to get the ball moving forward.”

Hill End will face Stony Creek in Schofield’s appearance with the game set to be played at Willow Grove Recreation Reserve from 2.20pm.

The Hillmen are yet to taste victory this season.

Originally published as Mid Gippsland league: Ex-West Coast man Will Schofield to play for Hill End

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Original URL: https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/sport/mid-gippsland-league-exwest-coast-man-will-schofield-to-play-for-hill-end/news-story/1b6fde3848990e27209c8320629aa9d5