West Coast midfielder Dom Sheed is well aware his AFL recall was the result of "unfortunate circumstances", but he's determined to make the most of it.
Sheed was facing an uphill battle to play in this year's finals series after being dropped for the third time leading into the round 20 western derby.
But Andrew Gaff's eight-week ban for breaking the jaw of Fremantle's Andrew Brayshaw opened the door for Sheed, and he's taken it with both hands.
The 23-year-old tallied 22 disposals and a goal in the after-the-siren win over Port a fortnight ago, and he followed it up with 31 possessions and a goal in last week's loss to Melbourne.
Sheed isn't pretending he can replace Gaff all by himself, but he's keen to do his best to plug the hole.
"When one of your elite players goes out of the team, everyone else around has to step up that extra couple of per cent," Sheed said.
"Hopefully we can do that together as a team.
"I went through a bit of a patch midway through the year and wasn't playing the footy I would have liked.
"But through unfortunate circumstances I got my opportunity again, so hopefully I can capitalise on that and play some good footy for the team.
"The stint in the WAFL has made me a better player. Hopefully I can reap the rewards."
The Eagles need to beat Brisbane at the Gabba on Sunday to guarantee themselves second spot and two home finals.
Although the Lions have won just five games this season, they have been difficult to beat on their home deck.
Star Eagles forward Josh Kennedy (shin) will be missing again, but fellow spearhead Jack Darling (concussion) is expected to play.
Kennedy will have missed seven weeks of action by the time he returns for the start of finals, but Sheed doesn't think it will affect the two-time Coleman medallist too much.
"I think he'll be fine," Sheed said.
"The bye before the finals will let him do a bit more training under a controlled environment. When he comes back, he'll be ready and raring to go."
Share
