West Coast’s 2018 Grand Final hero rode the wave of momentum into this year’s campaign, starting the season with a string of stirring performances. He shot out of the blocks with an eye-catching 38-disposal display against Brisbane and followed it up with impressive performances against Greater Western Sydney (28 disposals, one goal) and Collingwood (24 disposals, three goals) in rounds two and three. Sheed, who was deemed the best player afield for the club’s round 14 win over Essendon, achieved career-best stats for average disposals (26.5), contested possessions (11.2), score involvements (5.8), marks (5.3), clearances (5.0) and inside 50s (4.7). He also notched a career-high 24 games, bettering his 2015 season by one outing.

Standout performance: Bombs away

West Coast were in desperate need of a spark following a tough round 12 loss to Sydney at the SCG and Sheed delivered in spades against the Bombers at Optus Stadium. The in-and-under onballer got down and dirty at the coalface, winning a team-high 36 disposals and 14 contested possessions. The Kalgoorlie product also hurt the Bombers will his ball use, distributing it at 80.6 per cent efficiency. When he wasn’t winning the Sherrin, Sheed worked himself into dangerous positions. He amassed an equal season-high nine score involvements and cashed in on his own opportunities to round out an inspiring performance with two goals.

Season averages:

Disposals: 26.5
Contested possessions: 11.2
Marks: 5.3
Score involvements: 5.8
Clearances: 5.0
Stoppage clearances: 3.5

2019 AFL statistical rankings:

10^th: Total inside 50s
16^th: Total disposals
18^th: Total stoppage clearances, inside 50s per game
19^th: Total effective disposals
20^th: Total contested possessions