AFL premiership hero Will Schofield pours out his heart after the sudden loss of his brother Jase
West Coast Eagles AFL premiership hero Will Schofield has written a heartfelt open letter to his brother, who passed away on Sunday evening.
Schofield mourns the loss of his brother Jase, who was 18 years his senior.
In 2022, Jase was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and has been battling the disease ever since.
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The 2018 Premier League defender says he would normally keep personal matters private, but he felt he had to share the news to express how important his brother was in his life.
“Last night we lost my big brother Jase,” Schofield wrote.
“I have always viewed media, myself and my personal life as very separate things. However, I wanted to share this with a wider audience because my brother Jase has been the biggest influence on my life and I am very proud to be his brother.
“There are 18 years between Jase and I, I’ve lived half my life on the other side of the country, but I couldn’t ask for a closer or better relationship with a brother. Jase, you taught me some of the most important lessons in life and were a father figure to me.
“Especially after losing my father. You taught me the importance of companionship, the importance of listening to people speak, that there is a right way and a wrong way to do things – nothing in between. Family comes first no matter what happens. Celebrate the good times.
“Never miss moments with your friends where you can have fun.
“They had a special ability to connect and understand people, a memory like no other. I’ve always admired you for these things, but only recently have I understood why – because you cared so much for me.
“Rom and I will be here to look after Sar, Riley and Chlo and make sure mom has someone by her side. The strength our family has shown over the last 18 months has been incredible – led by your determination and fight.”
Scholfield said he was shocked that his children would not be able to grow up with their Uncle Jase but would remember him.
“You were always so proud of all my achievements and special moments in my life – I was just proud to call you my brother.” I’m sad that your nephews Nash and Sid won’t get to know you like I did, but I do “Know they will always remember their great Uncle Jase,” he continued.
“The best brother, father, son, husband, uncle, father-in-law, friend and buddy anyone could ask for.”
“Rest easy, brother – you have left a legacy that will not be forgotten. I will miss you more than words can say. I love you, buddy.”
In March, Jase posted a video update about his battle with the disease.
“Medically speaking, I just completed the fifth round of my chemo trial,” Jase said.
“Normally it blows me away, but this month I’ve gotten through it reasonably well and I’m feeling pretty good. I’m on the road right now and I even cooked the grill the other night, which was great.”
Will Schofield played 194 AFL games over 14 seasons for the Eagles, including two grand finals and the 2018 premiership.
He retired at the end of the 2020 season and has since pursued a career in media, but made a brief comeback in April this year when he played two games for the injury-plagued West Coast WAFL team.
