A sense of responsibility led West Coast defender Will Schofield to produce a commanding performance for West Coast against Carlton at Domain Stadium last night.

Schofield, who missed the first round clash against the Western Bulldogs with an ankle injury, returned to the team as a replacement for injured teammate Mitch Brown.

Brown was taken off the ground on the mobile stretcher at Etihad Stadium last Saturday night when his left knee gave way during a routine contest for the ball with Stewart Crameri.

He will this week have a second reconstruction on the knee he first injured in 2008.

With Brown joining reigning John Worsfold medallist Eric Mackenzie with a season-ending knee injury – the Big Ezy suffering his setback in the NAB Challenge against the Blues in Mandurah – the need for others to step up in the key defensive posts is important.

And Schofield accepted that responsibility last night against the Blues.

“I wanted to do Browny and Ezy proud,” Schofield said at today’s recovery session.

“They were watching and they will be giving us a lot of support during the year.”

Schofield is best known as a rebounding defender, rather than a close checking key back, but had to adjust his game and did it well.

So often in the contest last night his fist met the ball with purpose, destroying the hopes of players like Liam Jones, Levi Casbault and others, who looked poised to mark in the Blues attacking half.

“We’re a young and exciting group in the back line and as a side,” Schofield said. “We’re going to have some challenges this year, but we’re ready.”

With Schofield settling into the defensive post – clearly the most experienced player outside of Shannon Hurn – the back line again held together admirably. He and Hurn combined with emerging stars Jeremy McGovern, Brad Sheppard, Jackson Nelson, Elliot Yeo and Jamie Bennell to get the job done.