Eagles veteran Schofield wills himself back for the AFL grand final
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Three weeks ago, Will Schofield had one of the most difficult conversations of his football career.
West Coast coach Adam Simpson told the defender he wouldn't be playing against Collingwood in the Eagles' qualifying final.
The 29-year-old had missed just two matches since round 14, due to a hamstring injury, but had returned for the round 23 win over Brisbane.
His disappointment was, by his own admission, "relatively extreme".
"I'm an older player and you play footy to play in finals' footy," Schofield said.
"To be left out was really disappointing, but I pretty quickly came to the realisation that it wasn't the end of the season.
"To get back into the side, you're not going to do that by dropping the bundle and having a sook."
"So I got back on the horse and, really unluckily for Shep [Brad Sheppard], he's out, but my opportunity has come about. But that's footy."
Sheppard suffered a serious hamstring injury during the win over Collingwood, opening the door for Schofield to return to the side.
And the stage is now set for the 175-game player to feature in the AFL's biggest game.
Schofield was by no means the worst Eagles player during the 2015 grand final, in which Hawthorn cruised to a 46-point win, and a third consecutive flag.
Elliot Yeo finished with just five disposals, Josh Kennedy was held goalless, while the two ruckmen, Nic Naitanui and Callum Sinclair, did not take a mark between them.
Moving on from the past
It is easy for Schofield to identify the lessons learned.
"The way I'm approaching this game is probably different to what I've done in the past," he said.
"One thing I've learnt from 2015, everyone said enjoy it, and love the experience, which I did."
"I probably got a bit carried away in 2015 if I'm honest. In 2018 I'm just looking to really love it and really embrace it."
For Schofield, a new addition to his family has put football in perspective.
His son Nash was born in June, and is a constant reminder there is life outside the AFL.
"You come off winning a prelim and you're back at home changing nappies and rocking him to sleep," Schofield said.
"It will be good to see them on game day, it will certainly keep things in perspective.
"Things are bigger than footy."
"Our fans have been terrific, and a lot of people live for these moments, but in the end it is a game of footy, and Nash my son has certainly provided that for me."
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