Broome may return after impressive NSW display

Former West Coast rookie Lewis Broome could be a shock selection in this week’s national draft, just 13 months after quitting the Eagles to live with his family in the Kimberley.

Broome has nominated for the draft after moving to NSW during the year where he played six games and kicked 14 goals for Sydney’s reserves team in the NEAFL.

He also played seven matches for St George in the AFL Sydney competition and kicked 12 majors.

Broome played two matches against the GWS reserves and two opposed to Brisbane’s seconds, providing him with chances to impress AFL clubs.

The 21-year-old was approached to live in NSW by an indigenous mentor and spent the season completing a TAFE course.

Quick, talented but extremely thin, Broome showed signs of his talent during two seasons on West Coast’s rookie list but struggled for consistency at Claremont.

St George coach Terry Mudge said Broome had proven he could handle living in a large city and wanted another opportunity.

“He was the talk of the football town and started to get the bug again. He thought he’d made mistakes and going home was one of them,” Mudge said. “He started saying that he’d love another opportunity.

If someone needs a small, quick forward, who knows what may happen.”

East Fremantle half-back Jayden Schofield is also looking for another chance after walking out on the Western Bulldogs at the end of 2011.

Schofield played seven games for the Dogs after being chosen as the 74th pick in the 2010 draft, but returned to WA to be closer to family.

The running defender played 19 league games for the Sharks in 2012, including the grand final, and had a strong finish to the season.

“I thought I’d try my luck and see if one of the WA teams would have a look at me,” Schofield said.

“I know I have to earn my respect back from my peers and the football public but I want to play for one of those teams.

“I was getting best on grounds at East Fremantle and holding my own pretty much every week in the WAFL.

“I thought, ’I’ve been there once so maybe a club might pick me ahead of another young guy because I’m more experienced and have already been there’.

“I’ve thrown my name in the hat and we’ll see what happens.

“I’ll never regret the decision (to leave the Bulldogs) because I’m all about family, but I’d love to get a shot here.”