Brad Sheppard expects a fierce contest when some of the AFL’s biggest names come together to raise funds for bushfire relief at Marvel Stadium next Friday night.
The reliable defender and midfield bull Elliot Yeo have been selected to play for the All Stars against Victoria on February 28, and will miss West Coast’s opening Marsh Community Series clash with Essendon the previous evening.
Thrilled to be picked for the marquee clash in Melbourne, Sheppard tipped the battle against Victoria would help prime him for the start of the home and away season.
“We’re all competitive people. I can’t see the intensity not being there,” Sheppard told TAB Radio.
“When you step over that white line, you want to win games of footy – whether it’s playing with your mates, whether it’s playing for your club or playing for this.
“As soon as you run across that white line I know I’ll be putting the intensity in and it’s a good segue into the season proper because after this game you’ve only really got one pre-season game before the season kicks off.
“From past experiences, if you go in half-hearted that’s when you tend to get injured.
“I think the boys have had a chat to a few (of the players), they’ll be going pretty hard and we’ll all be excited about that.”
Sheppard was unlucky to miss All Australian selection last season after making the 40-man squad, with the versatile and skilled backman enjoying a stellar campaign.
He played every match, took his rebounding to another level (averaging 19.3 disposals) and showcased the flexibility to shutdown small and tall forwards alike - which could come in handy against the likes of Victorian big guns Jeremy Cameron, Tom Lynch, Dustin Martin and Toby Greene.
“There’s only really Harris Andrews as a key position player (in defence) for the All Stars side,” Sheppard said.
“I know Jeremy Howe plays tall, but at times – without actually knowing what’s going on – I might have to play a bit tall because the Vics side have got a pretty tall forward line and dangerous forward line.
“With these games, as I do throughout the year, you’ve got to be flexible with the players you play on.
“It’s good to see Neville Jetta down there so I’ll be able to hand over a few of those dangerous (small) forwards to him.
“If you go through the All Stars side there’s some quality players there and what I’m really excited about is just to see how they go leading up to a game and get to know them more as a person, rather than just the professional level.
“Really looking forward to seeing how each player goes about their business in the lead up towards the game.”
