When Adam Simpson has been asked about the club’s second-tier players and the reasons for their improvement, he has often spoken about maturity, both physically and mentally.

It has come in references to players like Andrew Gaff and Chris Masten. Most recently, he spoke in that manner about Brad Sheppard and the versatile defender has been one of the key elements in this team’s rise to finals football.

Voting for best on ground honours for the HMAS Sydney II Medal was tight yesterday and Matt Priddis was a deserving winner.

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It was a game that played to Priddis’ strengths. He loves the battle in close, the more stoppages the better and he was outstanding.

 But Sheppard, too, was a major factor in the victory.

Sheppard has stepped up to the plate all season. With some recognised key defenders being ruled out for the season, the coaching staff had to re-jig the defensive structure and it needed a number of players to adjust.

Sheppard, cast in the role of the third tall defender, has used his capacity to read the play and impact the ball in the air to become an integral part of the defensive collective.

With Jeremy McGovern out of action yesterday with a hamstring strain, Sheppard was again asked to play tall and produced another fine defensive display.

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He had 23 possessions and took 10 marks in a terrific performance in the back half.

He generally uses the ball precisely and his 17 kicks were used to help set up offensive thrusts.

Sheppard has been a fine player all season, but this effort was probably his best for the season.