Advertisement

Sheed keen to help Eagles soar to finals

Dom Sheed. Pic: Ian Munro/WA News

West Coast's prized recruit Dom Sheed says he hopes to play a part in the club's rise up the ladder next season under new coach Adam Simpson.

The Kalgoorlie junior was unveiled by the Eagles alongside fellow draftee Malcolm Karpany yesterday before both flew out with the main squad for a three-day training camp in Broome.

It will be the first time Sheed has undertaken a full training load since breaking his left collarbone at the under-18 championships in June.

The 18-year-old No.11 draft pick wouldn't be drawn on how soon he aimed to be in the club's best 22, but his goals for the team next season were clear.

"A lot of the boys this year are up and going, Nic Nat and that are all not injured now," he said.

"Hopefully it can stay that way and we make finals."

Sheed travelled to the Gold Coast for the draft last Thursday, but said the Eagles had not guaranteed they would select him with their first pick.

Within hours of the club calling his name, he was having dinner with Simpson and outlining his goals for the pre-season.

"He said I'll probably start with the midfield group and see what happens from there," Sheed said. "I want to follow Matt Priddis and a few of those blokes around and do exactly what they do."

Karpany, a small forward from South Australia, said moving to WA was daunting, but expected the transition to be easier under the guidance of fellow Crow- eaters Beau Waters and Shannon Hurn.

He said the Eagles had spoken to him early in the season, but it was still a surprise when they drafted him with pick No.31.

"(It was) a bit emotional at the airport yesterday … but I think it's a good step," he said. "I'll learn to be more independent."

Karpany is another recruit who spent much of last season struggling with injury. Following South Australia's U18 championships win he was struck down with groin, hip and ankle issues.

However, he said he was ready to resume training and would be targeting senior action next year.

"I just need to get fit again and go from there," he said.

"There were a lot of (Eagles) retirees at the end of the season so we'll see what happens."

Sheed, Karpany and fellow draftees Dylan Main and Tom Barrass will be joined by two more recruits at tomorrow's pre-season and rookie drafts.