West Coast AFL defender Will Schofield is suffering facial injuries after being attacked in his hometown of Geelong in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Eagles released a statement on Monday saying Schofield was set upon in an unprovoked attack while walking back to his car with a friend after a night out.

Geelong detectives are investigating the incident.

Schofield was treated at Geelong hospital and flew back to Perth on Sunday night.

The 24-year-old was among a group of West Coast players who were granted permission to stay over for the weekend after the club’s loss to Collingwood in Melbourne on Friday night.

He was to be further assessed by the club’s medical staff before determining his availability for Saturday night’s last round clash with Adelaide at Patersons Stadium.

West Coast midfielder Chris Masten said it wasn’t in Schofield’s nature to get involved in any altercations.

“He’s annoying, he’s grumpy and he’s negative. But he’s like a big cuddly bear – he wouldn’t hurt a fly,” Masten said of his close friend.

Schofield has played 94 games for the Eagles since making his debut in 2007, establishing himself as a vital cog in West Coast’s defence.

The incident caps off a forgettable year for the Eagles, who started the season as premiership fancies before crashing out of finals contention.