Dom Sheed looks on ahead of the R12 match between West Coast and St Kilda at Optus Stadium on June 1, 2024. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

PREMIERSHIP hero Dom Sheed has been ruled out for the season after undergoing a traditional knee reconstruction on Thursday, potentially opening a second vacancy on West Coast's 2025 list.  

Sheed, who ruptured the ACL in his right knee at training on Monday, consulted with medical staff this week before opting to undergo surgery, ending his season before it had begun. 

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The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season and can be moved to the inactive list during his recovery, allowing the Eagles to recruit another player ahead of the Supplemental Selection Period deadline on February 21. 

"Following consultation with club medical staff and a surgeon, Dom decided to undergo a traditional knee reconstruction today," general manager of football Gavin Bell said. 

Dom Sheed in action during the match between Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) and Narrm (Melbourne) at Optus Stadium in round 10, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

"As a result, Dom will unfortunately be sidelined for the 2025 AFL season. The club will support him throughout every step of his rehabilitation process."

Sheed was restricted to just eight games last season because of foot and hamstring injuries, continuing a difficult run for 2018 Grand Final match-winner, who has played 24 games across the past three seasons. 

Sheed's injury continues a recent run of setbacks for the Eagles, with star midfielder Elliot Yeo (knee and ankle) expected to miss the start of the season after undergoing syndesmosis surgery, while young star Harley Reid has been on a modified program this week as he manages ankle soreness.

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The Eagles already had a vacancy on their list and have trialled former St Kilda key defender James Van Es and ex-Gold Coast back Sandy Brock through the pre-season. 

Both have impressed at different stages this pre-season in regular match-ups on powerful forwards Oscar Allen and Jake Waterman. 

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Bell said it was a priority for the Eagles to add key defensive depth with that list spot, with the club also giving consideration to former Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney tall Adam Tomlinson. 

The club has the option to open a second list spot before the SSP deadline to bolster its stocks or hold another spot open for the AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.