West Coast Eagles fans will have an added incentive to get to Optus Stadium early today, ahead of the RAC Derby.

One of the great derby warriors, revered Eagles defender Brad Sheppard will do a lap of honour before the match, circling the arena from 3.50pm.

Sheppard, forced into premature retirement after a series of concussions, was a fan favourite for his fearless efforts across half-back in 216 games for the club.

With dazzling closing speed, sure hands and smart decision making, he was part of a wonderful West Coast defensive group and played so much football with the likes of Shannon Hurn, Jeremy McGovern, Tom Barrass and Will Schofield.

Those attributes meant he could play on opponents of varying size and skill sets.

His aerial prowess meant he could combat much taller opponents, while his speed and ability to read the game made him the natural marker for dangerous “small” forwards like Eddie Betts, Charlie Cameron and Ribbie Gray.

Sheppard also enjoyed the big occasion, including the rivalry with Fremantle, and won the Glendinning-Allan Medal as best afield in round 16, 2019.

Hopefully a large portion of the 75 percent capacity permitted for this game will be in the house 30 minutes before bouncedown to farewell a true West Coast hero.