West Coast’s new-look coaching staff has wasted no time dropping veteran forward Jack Darling after Adam Simpson’s mid-week departure.
Darling, 32, had never been axed since debuting in 2011 but will be forced to watch Sunday night’s clash with Brisbane from the sidelines.
So extraordinary was the decision that the Eagles issued a statement separate to the team release on Friday.
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West Coast said the coaching staff “opted on a revised structure on the balance required” to face the Lions under caretaker coach Jarrad Schofield.
“The coaching group decided that because Jack’s form has been patchy and with the opposition rucks in mind we needed to play both Bailey and Jack Williams,” football boss Gavin Bell said.
“Last week Jack Darling played as the back-up ruck, but we felt there was a need to change the structure for this match.
“He has been aware that his position has been discussed for a number of weeks and we will support him as he strives to return to the senior team.”
It is unclear if Darling will play in the WAFL to press his case for a recall next week.
He is now unable to reach his 300-game milestone before the end of the AFL season and his future at the club is uncertain despite being under contract for 2025.
Darling was omitted from the side to face Brisbane alongside Josh Rotham and Campbell Chesser, while Jeremy McGovern is out injured.
Harry Edwards, Luke Edwards, Zane Trew and Ryan Maric are the ins.
Interim coach Schofield coached WAFL side Subiaco to three flags across five grand finals before spending stints as an AFL assistant at Port Adelaide and West Coast.
The 49-year-old, who won a flag with Port Adelaide in 2004 during his 206-game career, held his cards close to his chest when asked if he would apply for the West Coast top job at the end of the season.
“To be honest. I’m not even thinking that far,” Schofield said on Friday.
“I have had a long apprenticeship. I started in 2009. Am I ready? It’s the unknown. But life’s a journey.
“And what I have learnt over probably the last 10 years is getting comfortable feeling uncomfortable.”
Schofield said his learnings greatly expanded once making the coaching transition from the WAFL to the AFL.
“I learned how you interact and how you deliver to these young men or experienced men at AFL level,” he said.
“You can have a firmness, you can have an edge.
“But I was probably a little bit … more confrontational in terms of how I delivered. Sometimes good, sometimes probably not the right response.
“What I’ve learned over time is that you can have a bit of both.
“The biggest thing is if you have a relationship with the player, you can have those robust conversations.”
Schofield is an advocate for elite standards, but he also prides himself on being able to connect with the human.
“I think I’m a people’s person,” he said.
“I think I have good relationships from all different walks of life.
“One thing is we’re not all perfect – you’re on this journey not only as a footballer but also as a human.
“And that’s what I’ve learnt over my time, is to make sure one shoe doesn’t fit all.”
– with AAP
Team news
Brisbane replaced defenders Jack Payne (foot) and Brandon Starcevich (concussion) with Shadeau Brain and Darragh Joyce for the clash with West Coast.
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick also went ‘bang’ on the selection front following last week’s shock four-point loss to North Melbourne and his post-match rant.
Tom Berry and Alex Sexton have been dropped for Sunday’s encounter with Port Adelaide, while veteran David Swallow (managed) was also left out.
Touk Miller (wrist) and Sam Day (foot) round out the five changes.
Into the side come Malcolm Rosas Jr, Jed Walter, Connor Budarick, Lloyd Johnston and Alex Davies.
Port welcome back Charlie Dixon after the spearhead served his three-match SANFL suspension.
He replaces the suspended Mitch Georgiades, who kicked five goals in last week’s 48-point win over the Western Bulldogs.
Dion Prestia headlines the ins for Richmond’s home match against GWS on for Sunday, with the veteran joined in the side by second-year defender James Trezise, Steely Green and emerging tall Samson Ryan.
Kane McAuliffe, Noah Cumberland and Jacob Blight were all dropped, while Seth Campbell is being managed.
The Giants welcome back dashing defender Lachie Ash in place of Leek Aleer.
– with AAP