A BROKEN collarbone ended Sheed's season in June, but at least he went out on a high. As captain of Western Australia, Sheed collected 29 disposals, won six clearances and kicked four goals in leading his state to a win over Vic Country at Simonds Stadium. But he ended that day with his arm in a sling after colliding with an opponent, which crunched the bone. The AIS-AFL Academy graduate took comfort knowing he showed what he has as a draft hopeful.

From Kalgoorlie, Sheed relocated to Subiaco to pursue his football, and has had experience playing at league level in the WAFL, where he has honed his ball-winning skills. He won the Larke Medal as the best player in division one of this year's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

STRENGTHS
Sheed's a doer. If the ball is thereabouts, Sheed just goes and gets it without much fuss. He enjoys the competition of beating a group of players to the ball and then making the next move. As such, the strong, physical midfielder is good at winning contested possessions. He's also a big left-foot kick, usually thumping the ball as long as possible. He reads the game well, has clean hands, and has the type of physique that will stand up to an AFL system right away.

WEAKNESSES
The knock on Sheed is that he one-paced, and that's true. But his testing at the NAB AFL Draft Combine did show some improvement in that area and he is by no means slow. Compared to some midfielders around him, he perhaps does not have the same consistent damaging influence.



PLAYS LIKE
Because clearances are Sheed's specialty, he's not too unlike emerging Western Bulldog Tom Liberatore. Sheed isn't as proficient at the stoppage art as Liberatore, but he's a similar build and leg speed. Sheed enjoys the bash and crash.

DRAFT RANGE
Has been linked with West Coast at pick No.11. But is one of a bunch of inside midfielders who are likely to fall in the 11-20 range.

BOTTOM LINE
Sheed's a sound pick. He doesn't dazzle but he will have an impact early on because he thrives on extracting the ball and getting things going.