West Coast midfielder Dom Sheed reckons the Eagles have “got something to prove” in 2020 after their finals runs was cut short last year.
Speaking to the media ahead of today’s training session at Mineral Resources Park, Sheed said the team was determined to take their game to another level after falling short of defending their premiership title in 2019.
“Coming off a flag, you are pretty confident going into the next year,” Sheed offered.
“You know you’re going to be hunted by the opposition, whereas (in 2019) we didn’t win the flag.
“We’ve probably got something to prove. We feel like we’re better than what we produced last year, so we’re working on a lot of things on the track now to hopefully better ourselves.”
Like the squad, Sheed is hoping to elevate his output this year.
He might have had a breakout year in 2019 – the Kalgoorlie product achieved career-best numbers for disposals (26.5), score involvements (5.8), marks (5.3), clearances (5.0) and inside 50s (4.7) – but Sheed knows he’ll have to work for his spot in a star-studded midfield group that now also boasts boom recruit Tim Kelly.
“Obviously bringing in another midfielder, it’ll make things more interesting come selection time,” Sheed acknowledged.
“There’s no reason why we all can’t fit into the team. Tim’s obviously an outstanding player and he’s been training really well, so he’s going to be a good addition to our midfielder. Just seeing glimpses of him training and in match simulation, it’s good to have him.
“He definitely adds a different dynamic to our midfield, which we probably needed.
“We’ve obviously got the likes of (Luke) Shuey and (Elliot) Yeo who are our bulls and explosive inside, but then you’ve got Tim Kelly who is that crafty sort of smart midfielder who can sneak forward of the footy too.
“I’ve still got a lot of things and areas that I can keep on working on and improving.
“I’m working on that and trying to work on my midfield craft while still being able to play forward. I’m 24, so hopefully I’ve still got some growth in me.”