If 2019 was the year Sheppard took his game to his highest new level yet, then 2020 was the season when he cemented his status as an elite hybrid defender and finally received due recognition from across the competition. Few players are so adept at clamping down on smalls or talls, and Sheppard’s ability to take out the opposition’s most dangerous forward while also being a trusted rebounder from defence is an invaluable asset for coach Adam Simpson. Although the season ended much earlier than Sheppard or anyone at West Coast hoped, there was little more he could have done for the cause and receiving his first All Australian gong – not to mention a second-consecutive third placing in the club champion award - was richly deserved after another brilliant campaign.
Standout performance: Clamping down on Charlie
Not many Eagles were at their best when the season restarted although Sheppard, who kept himself in tremendous condition training with Josh Kennedy during the shutdown period, never missed a beat and he performed an excellent role curtailing Brisbane danger man Charlie Cameron in round three. Despite the Lions winning by 30 points, Cameron only contributed one goal from just six disposals under Sheppard’s watch, while the West Coast star gathered 15 touches of his own as well as five marks.
Season averages:
Disposals – 15.9
Pressure Acts – 7.8
Marks – 6.2
Spoils – 3.6
Tackles – 1.9
2020 AFL statistical rankings:
2nd: Total marks
