Subiaco Embraces New Era with Jarrad Schofield at the Helm
In a significant move for the WAFL, Subiaco Football Club has welcomed back premiership coach Jarrad Schofield, who is ushering in a transformative period for the Lions. After a challenging 2025 season marked by only four wins and several heavy defeats, Schofield has declared a clean slate for the team, emphasizing a forward-looking approach aimed at reclaiming their top-dog status in the league.
A Breath of Fresh Air for the Lions
Schofield's return to Subiaco, following his tenure as an assistant coach at West Coast, has injected renewed optimism into the club. The Lions opened their 2026 campaign with a thrilling high-octane six-point victory over last year's grand finalists, East Perth, on Good Friday. This win has sparked hope among players and fans alike, signaling a potential turnaround for the storied franchise.
"The past is the past, so you have to install a bit of belief that you're going to look forward," Schofield stated. "It's a clean slate. We want to be a system-based side, and we want to be a club that doesn't just rely on certain people. We want to be as strong as each other, from our youngest player to our oldest player."
Building Belief Through Tough Competition
Reflecting on recent struggles, Schofield highlighted the importance of overcoming adversity. "Over the past few years, we've been on the receiving end of a few good beatings, and I just think for us over the course of the pre-season, winning those games just instils a bit of belief in what we're chasing this year is real," he explained. The coach pointed to competitive matches against strong teams like Claremont and East Perth as key moments that have bolstered team confidence.
Schofield is focused on cultivating a never-back-down attitude within the squad. "We want to be a tough side to play against, and to do that you've got to be strong in the contest," he emphasized. "We're not going to take a backward step. We're going to make sure we step into every contest, every game, with the belief that we are good enough."
A Homecoming for a Premiership Hero
Friday's victory held special significance for Schofield, who previously led Subiaco to premiership glory in 2014, 2015, and 2018. Despite being overlooked for the West Coast Eagles coaching role last year, he expressed genuine enthusiasm for his return to grassroots football. "This is where I started as a 12-year-old, so for me it's grassroots," Schofield shared. "I'm just excited for the players and the whole club and the great support today. I get really excited about that community club sort of feel."
He added, "For me, I just love being back here. It's been a long journey at the AFL level, but I'm really enjoying my time with this bunch of players, and hopefully we can create something here."
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
As Subiaco moves forward under Schofield's guidance, the focus remains on:
- System-based play: Developing a cohesive team strategy that minimizes reliance on individual stars.
- Contest strength: Prioritizing toughness and competitiveness in every match.
- Community engagement: Embracing the local support and grassroots spirit that defines the club.
With a fresh start and renewed belief, the Lions are poised to tackle the challenges of the WAFL 2026 season head-on, aiming to restore their reputation as a dominant force in Australian football.
