Brad Sheppard

Bradley Sheppard (born 23 May 1991) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was selected as a first round pick (number 7 overall) in the 2009 National Draft.

Brad Sheppard
Sheppard playing for West Coast in July 2019
Personal information
Full name Bradley Sheppard
Date of birth (1991-05-23) 23 May 1991
Original team(s) East Fremantle Football Club, WAFL
Draft 7th overall pick, 2009
West Coast
Height 187 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight 85 kg (187 lb)
Position(s) Defender
Club information
Current club West Coast
Number 5
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2010– West Coast 196 (19)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2020.
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Early career

Sheppard was born Perth, Western Australia and attended Wesley College. He represented Western Australia at the National AFL U18 Championships in both 2008, when he was ineligible to be drafted, and again in 2009, his draft year. In 2009, he played 15 games at WAFL League level with the East Fremantle Football Club and was also awarded a position in the Under 18 All-Australian as a back pocket for his performance at the 2009 AFL U18 Championships. Sheppard was invited to and attended the annual AFL Draft Camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra in October 2009 and tested in the top 10 in the 20 m sprint (=10th, 2.96s) and 6x30m repeat sprints (24.69s) out of those that attended.

He has represented Western Australia in cricket at under-17 level and is related to the Australian cricketing Marsh family, with Geoff Marsh as an uncle and cousins Shaun and Mitchell Marsh.[1]

Sheppard made his debut for the West Coast Eagles against Hawthorn in round 7, 2010. He was on the end of a dangerous tackle from Hawthorn's Chance Bateman which saw him suspended for two weeks.

In 2015, he was named the club's player of the finals after an impressive campaign which saw the Eagles make the Grand Final, ultimately losing to a rampant Hawthorn. Sheppard was one of the best in the deciding match.

In Round 17 of the 2018 Season, Sheppard played his 150th match against the Fremantle Dockers.[2]

In the first week of the 2018 Finals series, Sheppard suffered a season-ending hamstring injury and subsequently missed playing in the 2018 AFL Grand Final which was won by West Coast.[3]

Playing style

Sheppard is a versatile medium-sized player that has primarily played as a defender, but has also demonstrated ability at playing midfield and half forward roles. He is considered a well-rounded young player with good ball carrying ability, neat and reliable foot skills, fine decision making ability, strong work-ethic and athleticism (speed and endurance) as strengths.[4]

References
  1. Duffield, Mark (21 May 2010). "Sheppard and Marsh recall backyard battleground". The West Australian. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  2. Sheppard reflects on 150 games - westcoasteagles.com.au, retrieved 13 November 2018
  3. "Gutted Eagle opens up on injury". PerthNow. 11 September 2018. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
  4. All the facts, figures and background for this year's AFL national draft prospects - FOX SPORTS
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