Young Western Bulldogs defender Jayden Schofield has only been at the Kennel for nine months but his approach to football suggests he may be here for a while.
Selected in the fourth round of last year’s national draft from East Fremantle, Schofield placed conservative expectations on himself in his debut season with the Bulldogs.
“I was happy at the start of the season to crack one league game, but to crack three so far it’s been unreal.
“The coaching staff have given me such great opportunities here at the Bulldogs, and hopefully I’ll play a couple more games before the season is out.”
Debuting in the Bulldogs’ 30-point round 13 win over Adelaide, the 19 year-old small defender collected 10 possessions coming off the bench.
“My first game was the highlight of my life so far, getting the jumper from Boydy before the game was just outstanding.”
Even after playing games in both the VFL and WAFL, Schofield said he’s still adjusting to the pace of senior football.
“It’s still a big transition for me, I’ve never been involved in that kind of pace in a game and that kind of pressure.”
Helping Schofield with his transition to the senior ranks has been teammates Robert Murphy and Ryan Griffen, both of which have been great mentors for him. Murphy in particular, says Schofield, has been of great assistance to him on the field.
“I aspire to play like Bob (Murphy), he’s the guy that’s talked me through everything. He’s really loud on the park and just tells me what I’m doing wrong or doing right, and areas I need to improve on.”
“Ryan Griffen’s helped me as well, he’s my mentor at the club and has been telling me to keep on the straight and narrow, not to get a big head, and take it game by game.”
Despite a stint playing forward and on the wing against the West Coast Eagles in round 19, Schofield says he’s comfortable with a backline role at this stage of his career.
“I prefer half-back, I know my role is to beat my man first and then I can run off. Playing down back you know your exact job.”
Hoping for more senior games in the remainder of season 2011, Schofield has his sights set further ahead on an injury free pre-season and becoming a more regular fixture in the senior side in his second season of AFL football.
