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Sheed soaks up the Priddis experience

West Coast’s Matt Priddis, right, harasses second-year player Dom Sheed at training. Picture: Lincoln Baker/WA News

Dom Sheed is keen to follow Matt Priddis around as much as he can, but he hopes he stops short of stalking the Brownlow medallist.

The second-year midfielder is the heir apparent to Priddis in the West Coast midfield and is keen to learn as much as he can off his respected teammate while he still can.

Priddis, 30, has continued his trademark consistency in 2015, vying for best on ground honours with the exciting Elliot Yeo in the Eagles’ huge win over the Gold Coast at Domain Stadium last weekend.

“Matty is amazing,” Sheed said. “Coming into the club and learning off a Brownlow medallist, trying to play the same role as him is — I couldn’t ask for much more.”

Sheed said he was an admirer of Priddis before he had arrived at the club as their No.1 choice in the 2013 draft, but his respect for him had only grown since.

“His leadership skills are outstanding,” he said.

“He’s just the hardest worker out of everyone I think.

“He lifts weights the hardest, he does the most touch, he just ticks all the boxes to make sure he’s ready to go on game day.

“I try to follow him as much as I can, I try not to stalk him. “I try just looking from the outside and just taking it all in because he might only have a couple of years left in him. “When he’s gone I need to try to fill his role.”

Sheed has played every game this season after being a regular substitute and at WAFL level during his debut year.

The 20-year-old has grown in confidence and is now averaging more than 20 disposals a game.

Sheed said he had worked on building his fitness and strength over the summer.

“Matt Priddis is one of the strongest at the club so, if I want to play his role, the number one thing I need to work on is I need to get stronger. “I put a massive focus on that. “(I need to improve) my inside work, contested possessions, exactly what Matt Priddis does and he’s one of the best in the comp.”

Despite his impressive start to 2015, Sheed said he didn’t feel he had cemented his place in the team..

“I don’t think any 19, 20-year-old can really feel comfortable in their position. “But I’m just trying to play a team brand of footy and play my role for the team.”

Sheed said they weren’t happy about getting beaten in the clearances by the Suns and would be looking to improve against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

“I think St Kilda are young and very energetic,” he said. “It is going to be a tough battle going over there. “They are going to be no easy beats.”