This article first appeared in the September 2020 edition of Eagle Eye

When prized recruit Tim Kelly arrived late last year speculation immediately began about what it meant for West Coast’s midfield brigade. 

Sure, welcoming an all-Australian, two-time runner-up in Geelong’s club champion award and fifth-placed finisher in the 2019 Brownlow Medal count was always going to deepen and improve an already talented engine room. 

But what would their chemistry be like and who might be squeezed out?  

Would Jack Redden, a tackling machine and inside bull, be forced to a wing more often?  

Did Dom Sheed need to hone his forward craft for an expanded role on a flank?  

Might Luke Shuey move to half-back for the latter stages of his career? 

Of course, nobody saw the trials and tribulations of an unprecedented 2020 coming, and in hindsight so much of that speculation became redundant. 

After all, who could have foreseen West Coast playing out of hubs in Queensland, backing up off four and five-day breaks?  

Or that 37 Eagles would pull on the guernsey in 2020 as the ‘squad mentality’ mantra shone through more than ever?  

In a year where finding silver linings has been more important than ever, there has certainly been positives to take from the forced blooding of young players and flexibility in their positions.  

Not many would’ve expected in February that by the end of the home and away season, the likes of developing duo Brayden Ainsworth (seven games) and Xavier O’Neill (five) would have played important roles in what seemed a stacked midfield. 

Or that rebounding defender Liam Duggan would become a key member of the centre square quartet.  

Or that back pocket Tom Cole would spend significant time on the wing and kick a goal in three-straight games.  

According to Sheed, seeing the opportunities afforded to the next generation of midfielders has been a major positive from a 12-win campaign. 

“We’ve been a healthy midfield for a while now. To see them run through the side is great for their development,” Sheed said.  

“Duggo has had the chance to show what he can do in there. And that could be a role he plays going forward, he was drafted as a midfielder.  

“Xavier and Bubba (Ainsworth) as well have come in and played their roles really well.”  

Sheed, who played every game bar one, was a mainstay alongside stars Andrew Gaff and Tim Kelly (both 17 games) while others went down around them. 

Without doubt more responsibility fell on the 25-year-old premiership hero’s shoulders, and it was a call he answered – exemplified by his round 18 effort.  

Without Shuey, Redden, Elliot Yeo or Mark Hutchings in the side, Sheed stepped up with 23 touches and an equal game-high five clearances to help secure a grinding victory over North Melbourne.  

It capped off an excellent campaign for the crafty left-footer, who averaged 19.9 disposals and ranked elite for clearances (5.1), while also slotting eight majors. 

“What I’m aiming for is consistency in my game and I think I’ve been consistent,” Sheed said.  

“Output can still be more but I feel like I’m closing the gap between my best and worst games, which is what I want. 

“I definitely feel like I’m on the older end now when you’re seeing these 19, 20, 21-year-olds running out next to you. Time flies.  

“I see myself as that middle-tier player and it’s good for my development as a leader. I’d love to keep building on my leadership skills, but it’s not something you can really force.  

“You’ve got to find your own way. ‘Gov’ (Jeremy McGovern) leads in a completely different way to Luke Shuey or Shannon Hurn.  

“It’s something I’d like to grow into one day potentially.”  

Sheed admits it took “a pre-season and a bit” for the midfield to adjust to Kelly and for the marquee signing to build familiarity with his new teammates.  

But the smooth-moving South Fremantle product has added another dimension to West Coast, alongside fit-again superstar ruckman Nic Naitanui – the dominant big man in the AFL this year.  

“We missed him for a few years there and I almost forgot what he was capable of doing,” Sheed said of Naitanui.  

“To have him get a full pre-season and his output being as high as it is right now, it’s unbelievable and credit to him after those injury-riddled season that he’s done the hard work and it’s paying off.” 

With Naitanui firing, dangerman Liam Ryan causing headaches for opposition defences and several big names returning, the Eagles are ready to impact finals.  

“I think we’ll get a few players back obviously and it’s all about gelling and working within our system, but the way ‘Simmo’ (Adam Simpson) is coaching the boys we’re in a really good space,” Sheed said.  

“Hopefully we can get stuck into finals and do some damage.”