THE MAN himself keeps trying to move on, but Grand Final hero Dom Sheed might have to wait a little longer before the football-loving public does the same.
During West Coast's first home game since winning the premiership, a murmur swept through the Optus Stadium crowd as Sheed lined-up a snap in the 'right' pocket for a left-footer against Greater Western Sydney last Saturday night.
It wasn't from quite the same area on the ground or even the same oval, but fans and commentators alike couldn’t help comparing the shot – which Sheed nailed after opening up the angle – to his unforgettable Grand Final goal.
With the rematch against Collingwood at the MCG looming next start, it's a safe bet Sheed will find it almost impossible to avoid being reminded again and again of that life-changing moment.
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But the low-key 23-year-old just wants to look ahead to the challenge of building on the Eagles' first victory of 2019.
"I've been trying to let go of it now and move on with this season, but it's a bit hard … but looking forward to getting back over to the 'G and seeing all the West Coast fans in Melbourne," Sheed told AFL.com.au.
"We know they (Collingwood) played an unbelievable game (against Richmond).
"They're looking very dangerous and we're going to have to play our best footy to go over to the 'G and beat them."
The Eagles knocked over the Magpies twice at the MCG last year, by 35 points in round 17 and five in the season-decider, either side of their qualifying final triumph at Optus Stadium.
Sheed didn't play in the home and away victory, but was outstanding in both finals, only weeks after being called up to replace star Andrew Gaff.
Gaff's lengthy suspension handed Sheed more responsibility, and he has responded with the most consistent form of his career, averaging 29 disposals and 5.4 clearances in the past eight matches.
"I just think I've improved my all-round game. That started with getting a little bit fitter, so I can move around the ground a bit more and essentially spend more minutes on the ground," Sheed said.
"I had a good crack at it late last year, and then a full pre-season, so being injury-free and a full pre-season under my belt definitely helps.
"It's only the start of the year, it's just whether I can maintain that now."
West Coast's midfield dynamic will change with Gaff back in the line-up, and it remains to be seen how that impacts Sheed's role in the side.
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However, he can't wait for Gaff's return ahead of a massive challenge against the Magpies' star-studded onball division.
"I think Gaffy's been chomping at the bit to get back out there. That will be nice to get a bit of extra run back in the team," Sheed said.
Collingwood's midfield group has been compared to the greatest of all time since Dayne Beams' return from Brisbane, and could be at full force if Taylor Adams is cleared to play following finger surgery.
"They are an elite midfield and the recognition they're getting I think they deserve," Sheed said.
"They're going to be hungry to knock us off as a midfield group, so we've got to make sure we do our homework this week.
"We understand (Brodie) Grundy is an All Australian ruckman and we know what he's capable of.
"We just want those two boys (Eagles Nathan Vardy and Tom Hickey) to play their role and work together to work over whatever ruckmen they're coming up against.
"They did that (against the Giants), and hopefully they can do that going forward."
