Tony Bamford Confident in Harry Schoenberg's AFL Revival at West Coast Eagles
South Australia under-18 coach Tony Bamford has expressed strong support for Harry Schoenberg, predicting the midfielder will successfully seize his second opportunity with the West Coast Eagles. Schoenberg is set to make his debut for the Eagles in their upcoming match against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval this Sunday, marking a significant comeback as a mature-age rookie after being delisted by Adelaide.
Overcoming Early Setbacks and Proving Resilience
At 25 years old, Schoenberg faced rejection from Adelaide after playing 62 games over six seasons, with only five appearances in the past two years under coach Matthew Nicks. Bamford highlighted Schoenberg's history of defying odds, recalling how the player was initially overlooked for the South Australian State academy program in 2019. Despite this setback, Schoenberg forced his way into the State team, excelled during the championships, and earned a spot in the under-18 All-Australian team, leading to his draft selection by the Crows with pick 24.
Bamford explained the initial decision, stating, "We didn't pick Harry in the initial State academy for a couple of reasons. He hadn't at that stage shown us that he was fully committed to the football program, being a country kid ... and he just wasn't fit enough to be in that program at that stage, given the other players that were in front of him." He added that this rejection served as a wake-up call, motivating Schoenberg to improve his fitness and commitment, ultimately earning his place through outstanding performances in the early rounds of the under-18 season.
Character and Maturity Key to Future Success
Bamford emphasized Schoenberg's character, noting his ability to handle adversity with maturity. "In the past, he's shown he's got the character to deal with a setback like that," Bamford said. He expressed confidence that Schoenberg's resilience will help him prove his worth at West Coast, suggesting that a fresh start in Perth could foster personal growth away from his former club. Bamford believes Schoenberg will thrive as he gains confidence, recalling his exceptional ball-handling skills in contested situations and his development into a versatile player capable of transitioning from inside to outside roles.
Eagles Coach Andrew McQualter Praises Schoenberg's Work Ethic
West Coast Eagles coach Andrew McQualter has also praised Schoenberg's dedication and flexibility. "Harry's just had his head down, bum up. He's trained really hard, he's played a few different roles for us — we've played him through midfield, wing and forward," McQualter said. He highlighted Schoenberg's experience from Adelaide's system and his aggressive on-field demeanor as valuable assets for the team. Schoenberg was initially poised for a debut in the season opener but was suspended for striking in a pre-season match, allowing late signing Milan Murdock to step in. However, Murdock's recent hamstring injury has opened the door for Schoenberg to reclaim his spot.
Looking Ahead to Schoenberg's Impact
Bamford concluded by expressing hope that Schoenberg will receive consistent backing at West Coast, allowing him to build confidence and demonstrate his full potential. "Like any player, Harry would just want someone to believe in him and give him a chance, back him in for a while instead of being in for one, out for two type thing. Hopefully, he gets that chance at West Coast." With his proven track record of overcoming challenges, Schoenberg is poised to make a significant contribution to the Eagles as he embarks on this new chapter in his AFL career.
