Jayden Schofield: Former Western Bulldog handed lengthy ban by GNFL over shocking on-field colts brawl

Former AFL player and Brigades colts coach Jayden Schofield has been slapped with a 10-match ban for striking during an ugly on-field brawl last month which saw more than 30 weeks worth of suspensions handed out. The Great Northern Football League revealed on Wednesday the penalties handed down at last week’s tribunal process following the July 16 brawl at GBSC Sports Park between Brigades and Mullewa players. The scrap also involved Schofield, who is also a prominent league player for Brigades, and a father of one of the young Hawks players. Nineteen umpire reports were filed and the WA Football Commission stepped in to investigate after the game was abandoned due to incredible number of red cards being handed out. While the WAFC’s investigation is still ongoing, the GNFL handed down its own punishments, with the biggest penalty given to Schofield, who previously played at AFL level with the Western Bulldogs before joining WAFL club East Fremantle. His punishment was a 10-match ban for striking a Mullewa player and being involved in the melee. Schofield’s playing future is up in the air and he faces the prospect of a life ban. When a player accumulates more than 16 weeks’ worth of suspensions over their career there is a protocol in place to be automatically deregistered from all national football competitions. The 10-week suspension has taken Schofield up to 16 weeks which could see him permanently banned from all competitions. A player is supposed to receive a warning after they have reached 10 weeks. However in this case, Schofield would not have received this warning so it is unlcear whether this policy will be implemented and is at the discretion of the WAFC. A parent from Brigades, Maurice Brand, has also been banned from attending any GNFL matches for 18 months for his involvement in the melee. Thirteen players — eight from Mullewa and five from Brigades — received suspensions ranging from one match to four matches for striking and umpire abuse. Five players — two from Brigades and three from Mullewa — were reprimanded for their involvement in the melee. The incident also resulted in umpires boycotting Mullewa league and colts games as well as Brigades colts games until the conclusion of the WAFC investigation, forcing both to use club umpires. Mullewa has still yet to field a colts side since the incident having forfeited their last two games and had a bye on the weekend. Brigades have continued to play and sit in fourth spot on the ladder. It is also understood the GNFL have stood down umpire advisor Robert Bennett, although the Guardian understands this is in relation to a separate incident. In its statement, the GNFL said: “We will not tolerate any unbecoming behaviour, be it towards players, club officials, the GNFL or our GNFL umpires. Any person deemed to be in violation will be liable to any penalties as per our by-laws and policies.” The GNFL thanked all parties involved for their patience during the process. “It is important that we move forward from this incident and look towards how we can ensure a positive game day environment.”