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Duff and Quarters: West Coast Eagle Brad Sheppard’s All-Australian gong comes years late

Damon ErcegThe West Australian
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West Coast fans should breathe a collective sigh of relief when Brad Sheppard finally dons an All-Australian jacket for the very first time.

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On this week’s episode of the Duff and Quarters Podcast The Sunday Times’ sports editor Glen Quartermain and special guest The West Australian Senior Reporter Steve Butler believes the Eagles could be strongly represented.

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Sheppard is one of four Eagles players in the running and is predicted to take up a position on the half-back line.

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“I think Brad Sheppard definitely gets his first All-Australian which I think is a disgrace in a lot of ways,” said Butler.

Brad Sheppard of the Eagles runs with the ball during the round 14 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the West Coast Eagles.
Camera IconBrad Sheppard of the Eagles runs with the ball during the round 14 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the West Coast Eagles. Credit: Chris Hyde/via AFL Photos

The pair believe Sheppard could have had as many as three All-Australian jackets but has flown under the radar for much of his 11-season career, on the east coast at least.

Sheppard’s best chance may come in 2020 but statistically, the defender has faired better in years past.

The reliable backman is averaging one less mark, three less disposals, and one less rebound 50 per game compared to last season, while also down on kicks, contested possessions, and inside 50s.

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Apple: apple.co/2DDzD0G

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But Sheppard is seventh in the league for average marks and a contender to take out his club’s Best and Fairest award this year.

“I think he might also win the John Worsfold medal this year. I think he’s had an amazingly consistent year Brad Sheppard,” Butler predicted.

Another Eagle primed to debut for the national side is livewire Liam Ryan.

“When the chips were down, he put his hand up, kept playing well, kept the West Coast in the hunt,” Butler said of Ryan’s season.

“Even when he went to full forward for those couple of games he did a very, very good job, not in the role that he is usually playing, so I think Liam Ryan will certainly get his first All-Australian gong.”

The boys praised Ryan’s ability to distribute the ball and to adapt to new roles, with Quartermain wanting the small forward to move further up the ground.

“He’s almost played the Willie Rioli role as well. I reckon if he continues to build that tank I’d like to see more of him in the midfield,” he said.

Subscribe to the Duff and Quarters podcast via the links below

Apple: apple.co/2DDzD0G

Spotify: spoti.fi/3bBPut7

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