West Coast Eagles interim coach Jarrad Schofield says there have already been some adjustments to the team's preparation ahead of this week's Brisbane clash at Optus Stadium.
Experiencing his first week as the leading man before his senior coaching debut, Schofield shared how while a less upsetting situation would have been preferred, he is keen for the opportunity ahead.
โYeah not ideal circumstances but one I am looking forward to,โ the Eagles' interim said on Friday.
โThe goal is to get better. We want to make sure we will chase our identity that we had during pre-season. We need to respect the situation of the week and get through this weekend and look to the next 7 weeks."
Schofield will seek help from fellow assistants Luke Webster and Matthew Knights in the lead-up to, and during the match, believing the network of leadership at the club shouldn't need much change.
"I'll lean on the coaches and the leaders. One thing I've learnt in life is standards and that's to have elite standards and I'll lean on the boys for that," he added.
"I don't think I have to manage any coaches. We will collaborate, and I've got great support."
Following Adam Simpson's sacking and the rollercoaster chain of events during the week, Schofield wants the side to refer back to basics and perform with pride for their ousted coach, honouring the illustrious tenure he had as just the third coach in the club's history to reach the pinnacle.
โIt all moved pretty quickly but I was mentally prepared. For me it was about getting back to our standards. There were small tweaks to how we trained and prepped this week. For me, it's about being positive and rewarding that.โ
โI am very respectful to the work he has done for this footy club and we will honour that this weekend.โ
