Grand final hero Dom Sheed says last year’s premiership success has made him even hungrier to taste the ultimate again.

Sheed etched his name into AFL folklore with the winning goal from the pocket in last year’s five-point grand final triumph over Collingwood.

The 24-year-old has since developed a knack for kicking tough goals from the pocket.

But when he thinks back to his grand final heroics, the hunger within him growls for more.

“You take a lot of confidence from it for sure,” Sheed said of his magical grand final moment.

“But coming off the back of last year, all it’s made me is even more hungry to succeed again.”

West Coast finished second on the ladder last year, but their path to the grand final will be much tougher this time around after they slumped to fifth.

The Eagles host Essendon in an elimination final next Thursday, and will then have to win three straight games on the road if they are to successfully defend their flag.

Sheed is happy to have most of the premiership talk centred around Richmond, Brisbane, Geelong, and Collingwood.

“Being the underdogs is always nice, flying under the radar,” he said.

“Coming into a finals series backs against the walls sort of stuff finishing fifth – it’s exciting. It’s a great opportunity for us.”

Sheed was dropped several times last year, and only earned a recall leading into the finals when Andrew Gaff copped an eight-week suspension.

This year Sheed has established himself as a key cog in West Coast’s front-line midfield, averaging a career-high 27 disposals per game.

Sheed has also become an important attacking threat, booting 15 goals.

“I wanted a real focus of trying to play as consistent as I can. When you look at all the elite players in the competition, the difference between their best and worst footy isn’t much.

“And with Luke Shuey and Elliot Yeo in the midfield, I wanted to mix in nicely with then. I think it’s worked so far, and hopefully it keeps going.”

So does Sheed’s grand final heroics mean he’s the most-stopped Eagle in the street?

“I’m not seven-foot tall with dreadlocks,” Sheed said with a laugh, in reference to Nic Naitanui.

“I’m lucky that I fly under the radar perfectly fine.”

Star Essendon defender Michael Hurley could miss the elimination final with a shoulder injury, but skipper Dyson Heppell (foot), Orazio Fantasia (hip), Jake Stringer (soreness), and Cale Hooker (illness) are all set to return.

West Coast are set to welcome back Naitanui from an ankle injury.