“Absolute privilege”: West Coast premiership hero calls time

West Coast veteran Dom Sheed has announced his AFL retirement.

The 30-year-old, forever considered an Eagles hero, informed teammates on Tuesday that his time as an AFL player is up.

Sheed has been working his way back from a ruptured ACL suffered at training in February, but has opted to step away from the game.

The Kalgoorlie product played 165 AFL games in royal blue and gold and will always be remembered for his stunning goal from the boundary in the dramatic 2018 Grand Final triumph over Collingwood.

“It has been an absolute privilege to represent the West Coast Eagles, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity this great footy club gave a skinny kid from Kalgoorlie,” Sheed said in a club statement said.

“To play for the Club I grew up supporting has been a dream come true, but the relationships you build and memories you share from footy are what I will cherish most from my time in the game.

“There are so many people I would like to thank for helping me along the journey, first and foremost my amazing family.

“It hasn’t always been easy. There’s been plenty of ups and downs, and to finish up without being able to play alongside the boys this year due to injury has been tough.

“But my family have been there for me every step of the way, and I can’t thank my parents and my wife Brooke enough.

“There are too many other people to name – coaches, teammates and staff - who I will get around to thank in the coming days and weeks.

“But I want to take the opportunity to send a special shout out to the members and supporters.

“I honestly believe West Coast has the most passionate fans in the AFL and they have supported me every step of the way, so thank you for everything.”

Sheed’s retirement comes in the wake of premiership teammate Jeremy McGovern who was forced to prematurely end his career due to concussion last week.

The hard-running midfielder was selected by the Eagles with Pick 11 in the 2013 draft before debuting in Round 1 of the 2014 season.

Sheed, who finished second in the 2021 John Worsfold Medal, averaged 21.6 disposals, 3.9 clearances and 3.3 inside 50s over his 12-year career. He last played for the Eagles in Round 14 last year.