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    West Coast midfielder goes under the knife in first stage of lengthy recovery

    The premiership hero suffered a cruel injury blow on Monday.

    Callum Farquhar
    815

    West Coast midfielder Dom Sheed has undergone surgery on his right knee after being ruled out for the entirety of 2025ย due to suffering an ACL rupture on Monday during pre-season training.

    The injury is the biggest blow to Sheed's expansive recent injury history, with the 29-year-old playing just eight matches at AFL level in 2024 as he dealt with a niggling foot injury and multiple hamstring setbacks that impacted his campaign.

    Sheed played just 15 matches in 2023, while managing just one in 2022, frustratingly unable to build consistent fitness since West Coast's last year outside the bottom four in 2021.

    The midfielder had been building towards a Round 1 appearance after foot surgery in the off-season, but the latest blow has thwarted any hope of Sheed playing at the top flight in 2025.

    The ACL rupture will sideline Sheed for approximately 12 months, with the first stage of Sheed's recovery being a knee reconstruction.

    PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 24: Tom Cole and Dom Sheed of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the 2021 AFL Round 19 match between the West Coast Eagles and the St Kilda Saints at Optus Stadium on July 24, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

    Sheed went under the knife on Thursday, and will now begin his lengthy period of rehab.

    West Coast footy boss Gavin Bell said the club were throwing their support behind Sheed as he endures another injury blow.

    โ€œFollowing consultation with Club medical staff and a surgeon, Dom decided to undergo a traditional knee reconstruction today,โ€ Bell said.

    โ€œAs a result, Dom will unfortunately be sidelined for the 2025 AFL season. The Club will support him throughout every step of his rehabilitation process.โ€

    Bell was devastated for Sheed when the initial news broke, as the 2018 premiership hero suffered his tear during a seemingly harmless incident on the track.

    โ€œUnfortunately, Dom ruptured his ACL in an innocuous incident during training on Monday,โ€ Bell said.

    โ€œIt is extremely disappointing news for Dom after a wretched run with injuries over recent seasons, and I know our players, staff and entire Club will offer him their full support during his rehabilitation."

    The blow came just a week after fellow midfielder Elliot Yeo found he had avoided injury to his ACL, however he remains a tight race for Round 1 given his 4-8 week timeline from MCL damage.