Interim coach Jarrad Schofield has lauded Rhett Bazzo’s resilience ahead of his return to the AFL team for the first time in more than a year.

Struck down by debilitating groin issues this year, Bazzo has fought back and built some strong WAFL form over the past five matches to put his hand up. 

The 20-year-old key defender’s determination has been rewarded with AFL selection following Jeremy McGovern (thumb) and Tom Barrass (back) being ruled out of the final round trip to Geelong.

It will be Bazzo’s first senior match since round 20 last season and he will partner re-signed Harry Edwards in the key defensive posts.

“I think it’s a really good story for him and the football club, coming from a long way back,” Schofield said.

“He missed a large portion of the front half of the season, put in a good block of football over the last four or five weeks and obviously with us not having ‘Gov’ there we need that extra tall.

“He’s definitely earned his spot and really excited to see how he goes and how he finishes off the season because it really catapults him into the off-season.

“He’s had great support around him from the football club – I know externally he has as well – but his mental resilience shows a lot about his character to keep pushing forward.

“We want to see him bear the fruits of that in the future.”

The Eagles could have a youthful-looking line-up at the Cattery, with All-Australian forward Liam Ryan unavailable for personal reasons.

Jack Petruccelle looms as a likely replacement as the Eagles head to GMHBA Stadium with a focus on what they can gain from their season-finale.

“Really just want to make sure the players relax the shoulders and go down there with a mindset of not what you’ve got to lose but more of what you’ve got to gain as an individual and as a team,” Schofield said.

“For us, we’ve got a lot to gain because it will set us up in the right way to see where we’re at and how we can approach the off-season.

“My messaging will be about opportunity and to make sure they express themselves, play your role, do it collectively and have the majority of players on the park do that, then we’re in with a shot.”

Ahead of his final game in charge, Schofield reiterated his gratitude for the opportunity following Adam Simpson’s departure.

He has led West Coast to victories over Gold Coast and North Melbourne, while maintaining focus on the team striving for consistency and to improve.

“I’ve really enjoyed it to be honest. Seven games, six weeks of coaching, it’s gone quick to be honest,” Schofield said.

“Really looking forward to just finishing off and helping the team to be better this week.

“That’s all I’ve really gone after in my role the last six or seven weeks. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all parts of it really, getting across the whole football club, being able to spread my wings a little bit to all the players.

“It’s (an opportunity) I’m very grateful for.”