'Shouldn't have done it': Matthew Lloyd warns Eagles interim Jarrad Schofield of coaching mistake
Matthew Lloyd is concerned that West Coast interim coach Jarrad Schofield has made a mistake taking the role.
It comes after the Eagles went down to the 15th-placed Saints by a whopping 72 points on Saturday afternoon at Marvel Stadium, in Schofield's second game in charge.
He will now have just five games left to prove himself as a leader, as the Eagles dig into their search for a new senior coach.
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Schofield, who was an Eagles assistant, is likely heavily in the race to replace axed coach Adam Simpson, but Lloyd is worried that taking the interim role could be a nail in his coaching career's coffin.
"Sometimes taking on the caretaker (coaching) role isn't what you should do as a coach," Lloyd said on Nine's Sunday Footy Show.
Jarrad Schofield, Interim Head Coach of the Eagles speaks to his players during round 19 against St Kilda. via Getty Images
"I know friends of mine who have taken (interim roles) it and said, 'Maybe I shouldn't have done it, for my coaching journey'.
"It could be the case for Jarrad Schofield."
Lloyd used former Fremantle player Dean Solomon's decision to take an interim coaching role with Essendon for three games in 2017, as an example.
Solomon didn't win the race to become the Bombers' next leader at season's end.
"Solomon. I think Solly took it on and lost by 100 points in the last round or two," he said.
Harley Reid of the Eagles walks off the field at half time during the round 19 AFL match between St Kilda Saints and West Coast Eagles. via Getty Images
As for where the Eagles stand, Lloyd is worried that the team is uncoachable, looking disinterested in applying pressure.
"67 (forward 50) entries, they conceded. St Kilda aren't big scoring," Lloyd said.
"(Tim) Membrey has a career-best game. (Mason) Wood does what he pleases.
"They're an absolute debacle.
Tom Cole and Jamie Cripps of the Eagles walk off the field after their loss to St Kilda. via Getty Images
The Eagles also did not lay a tackle inside forward 50, while the Saints collected 23.
Kane Cornes echoed Lloyd's concerns for Schofield.
"They're a debacle, they're a mess. Jarrad Schofield is probably regretting putting his hand up," he said.
The Eagles sit in 16th on the ladder, with a 3-15 record.
