Loping left-footer Dom Sheed has probably felt a stronger need to carry a heavy midfield burden in this year more than any other.

In the absence of skipper Luke Shuey and Elliot Yeo, prior to his return last night, Sheed has had much of the grunt work to do around the middle.

When Tim Kelly, perhaps in the best form of any Eagles in the last five to six weeks, succumbed to a knee injury in the second term, Sheed appeared to take it upon himself to elevate even further.

He had 43 disposals, 15 of them contested, and gained 613 metres for his team with ball in hand.

He worked in tandem with ruckman Nic Naitainui, who was again exceptional with 17 contested possessions among his impressive bounty for the night, and tried to generate enough energy to get the ball inside the Eagles attacking half so they could score.

Sheed and Jack Redden have been pivotal and they will need to continue in that fashion if the club is to continue its drive to play finals.