Sheed ready for grand final taunts
When East Perth run on to the field in tomorrow's grand final they will do so with the knowledge that most of the competition is against them.
West Coast-listed midfielder Dom Sheed says it's a situation they are more than prepared for.
The alignment between WAFL and AFL clubs has caused angst across the competition this year, with the Eagles-affiliated Royals bearing the brunt of it given their dominant season.
The Royals fielded 11 Eagles players in their win over Subiaco in the second semifinal and are likely to play a similar number when the two sides face off for this year's flag at Patersons Stadium.
Sheed's best-on-ground performance in that semifinal win has given plenty of fodder to the anti-alignment crowd, with the Kalgoorlie product having played for Subiaco prior to being selected by West Coast with their first pick in last year's national draft.
The teenager said the Royals were refusing to get caught up in the debate surrounding the controversial model, but admitted he was expecting some sledging from his former teammates.
"A little bit but it's all fair in the game," he said.
"I expect that and I'll probably give it back just as much, so it doesn't really matter.
"We obviously know that most of the competition is going to be going for Subi and we don't really mind that.
"All we care about is our supporters and winning for them."
Most of the West Coast players named in East Perth's grand final side have played the majority of the year at WAFL level, although Sheed, Sam Butler, Patrick McGinnity and Josh Hill spent the latter half of the season in the AFL.
Sheed said despite splitting their time between teams, every player who took to the field tomorrow was desperate to take the Royals to their first premiership since 2002.
"East Perth have been really good to me this year in terms of me being in and out of the side," he said.
"There's only one thing on my mind now and that's winning a premiership with the boys.
"All of the boys who have dropped back down or been in and out of the side, we've all got the same mindset.
"We want to go out there, play our role, play our best and hopefully come away with a premiership."
