Will Schofield may have hung up the boots after a 194-game AFL career capped off by a premiership with the West Coast Eagles, but his connection to the game remains as strong as ever. The 2025 edition of the Carlton Draft will once again see the former Eagles defender lace up his boots, this time for the Hill End & Grove Rovers Football Netball Club in a one-off appearance that celebrates the grassroots heart of Aussie Rules football.
Schofield’s return to the field marks the second time he’s come out of retirement since officially stepping away from AFL. While he’s already made cameo appearances with the Eagles’ WAFL side back in 2023, this weekend’s match carries a different kind of significance — one rooted in community and connection.
“I’m a massive footy fan, to be honest,” Schofield told foxfooty.com.au when asked about his participation in the 2025 Carlton Draft. “It’s why I’m still involved in footy, it’s why I work in sports media, because I love footy.”
For Schofield, this isn’t just about a nostalgic run around the paddock. The Carlton Draft, which pairs retired AFL greats with struggling local clubs for a one-off match, is about giving back to the sport at its most grassroots level.
“The Carlton Draft, although there’s a footy element of playing performance, I think there’s a bigger element of community and connection with the people at the country footy clubs — and especially ones that aren’t doing so well on the field,” he explained. “(With) country footy, it’s not about the four points, it’s about the people you’ve got around the footy club; the players, the support staff, the community comes out to watch.”
Joining the likes of AFL legends Tom Hawkins, Brett Deledio, Travis Cloke and Matthew Pavlich in this year’s campaign, Schofield acknowledges his selection with a dose of humour.
“I’m well aware of the pecking order and where I sit in the five that were drafted — I was Pick 5; also known as last,” he said. “But I had the best time at the draft, I can guarantee that, and that’s what it’s about.”
This Saturday, Schofield will don the Rovers’ guernsey in a match against Stony Creek, a club that has managed three wins this season. Despite Hill End & Grove Rovers sitting winless at the bottom of the ladder, Schofield is full of confidence.
“They’re on the bottom of the ladder (with) four points, but that’s from the bye … I am looking forward to delivering the first win of the season … we’re going to win this game; I’ve got a few rev-up speeches in my back pocket.”
Though known for his defending prowess during his playing days, don’t expect to see Schofield patrolling the backline this weekend.
“I know exactly where I’ll be playing — and it will not be the backline. The last thing I need is the next Nate Caddy coming off the fence off a bunch of cars and putting his knee into my head taking a hanger,” he said. “I’ll be going into the ruck … maybe go forward for some goals, maybe drop behind the play and chop out a few of the backmen.”
While Schofield last came out of retirement in 2023 for the WAFL, he admits not much has changed in terms of fitness.
“It’s my second time out of retirement … from memory, I kicked one of the great goals the WAFL has ever seen, as a full forward — you’ll have to ask those who were at the game, though. Can’t guarantee I’ve got any fitter since 2023. In fact, it’s probably likely I’m less fit.”
The Carlton Draft has previously featured some unfortunate incidents with other ex-stars sustaining injuries early in their cameos. Schofield, however, is determined to break that pattern.
“I plan to beat all of those blokes,” he quipped. “I plan to play a whole game. It shouldn’t be too hard to beat Kane especially — that’s pathetic, really.”
Since his playing days ended, Schofield has been carving out a name for himself in the media world. His journey into broadcasting hasn’t been without its challenges.
“I feel like I’ve been doing media for 15 years. Once I came out (of footy), there were some pretty hard yards — I didn’t have the career that stacks up to just go and get a job anywhere, so I really worked on my craft,” he said.
“I volunteered my time for a number of years at radio stations and behind TV production desks and really trying to study the craft, rather than just rely on my career to get a job.”
Schofield is now a key contributor to Fox Footy’s coverage and also leads BackChat Studios, a podcast network he’s helped build from the ground up.
“We’ve got eight podcasts now; employed eight people full-time and got studios in Perth and Melbourne. It’s been eye-opening, and something that I wasn’t really prepared for,” he noted.
“I’ve just worked really hard, to be honest. Nothing has really come that easy, (I’ve) just been trying to figure it out along the way. I love working in media; it’s a good avenue to continue my love of footy.”
Outside of broadcasting, Schofield finds great satisfaction in the business side of his ventures.
“I really love business, to be honest. All the mainstream stuff is great, and the podcasting thing is awesome, too — I love every opportunity I’ve got in this space,” he said. “Being able to help not only what we’re growing, but (also) other people monetise content is something I’m pretty passionate about.”
His straightforward commentary style is also a trademark of his media career.
“My style probably doesn’t have the statistical analysis as some do, but I do try to call it how I see it, and try to be honest and call it like an everyday person,” he said.
As a vocal observer of the game, Schofield didn’t shy away from discussing Fremantle’s performance this year, particularly after a narrow loss to Sydney.
“Not concerning at all,” he said of the 11-point defeat. “They’d won six in a row (before that). They’re playing a brand that I think stands up in finals.”
Still, he sees areas for improvement.
“Freo need to sort a few things out with their midfield; I think they played pretty individually on the weekend,” he explained. “You can’t have Caleb Serong, their best player, tagged out of the game; you can’t leave him to do it all himself.”
He encouraged young players like Luke Jackson, Sean Darcy, Matthew Johnson, and Neil Erasmus to take more responsibility in big games. Despite their current position just outside the top eight, Schofield remains confident in the Dockers' ability to make the finals.
“They’re a very young side … one of the youngest in the competition. I’m not concerned at all; I’ve got them playing finals,” he said. “They’re going to have to play well, absolutely. There’s a lot of pressure on the footy club, but that’s also footy.”
On the much-debated topic of Jackson and Darcy’s on-field compatibility, Schofield dismissed concerns.
“I think Fremantle looks a better side with him (Jackson) as the forward ruck … Freo looks a better side with Darcy there with him … I think that (idea) is an over-reaction,” he concluded.
Whether he's on the field in a one-off grassroots match or in front of the camera dissecting AFL strategy, Will Schofield remains one of the game’s most insightful and authentic voices — and one who clearly has no intention of leaving footy behind anytime soon.
