EMERGING West Coast midfielder Dom Sheed starred in Friday night's win over the Western Bulldogs, but the left-footer says he isn't taking his spot for granted after WAFL stints earlier this season.

Sheed was amongst the Eagles' best as they exacted some revenge on the reigning premiers for last year's elimination final humbling with a determined eight-point triumph.  

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The 22-year-old racked up 23 touches – seven contested – booted two crucial goals, including the Eagles' first to get the home side rolling, and was cool in the heat of a fierce battle at Domain Stadium.

It was a satisfying performance for Sheed after he was made to earn his spot this season.

He missed out on the round one team and was then recalled and dropped after one week having picked up just 11 touches against St Kilda. 

He spent two matches back at East Perth before earning a recall, and has since added to the depth and increased pressure for spots in the Eagles' onball division. 

Despite playing the best game of his year so far on Friday night, the Kalgoorlie product knows he still has plenty of room for improvement. 

"I've been inconsistent this year and obviously I've got a lot of areas of my game that I need to work on," Sheed told AFL.com.au. 

"I was a bit off defensively and around the footy, so it was pleasing to get back in the team and play some OK footy.

"Spots in the team are tough at the moment. We've got a healthy list so what match committee decides is what they decide, but it's just pleasing to be back in and playing my role."

Sheed was among a host of contributors for the Eagles against the Dogs' ferocious midfield, earning praise from coach Adam Simpson post-match. 

"We're trying to give these (young) guys opportunity," Simpson said.

"So we've got an eye on that, but I think with (Liam) Duggan, (Kurt) Mutimer and Sheed and these guys … it felt like it was a bit more balance throughout the night, rather than just rely on the big dogs." 

The Bulldogs closed from 20 points down early in the final term to seven points in an anxious finish for the home side, but the Eagles prevailed and, importantly, matched the Dogs in contested ball (127-132) in a tough slog.

"They came at us pretty hard in the last quarter and it was a tough contest all night, but it was good to get the win," Sheed said. 

"We worked pretty hard on our contested ball to try and win it there and get some field position.

"We've still got some things to work on and we’re not satisfied yet, but it was very pleasing (to win). 

"I guess it's always good to get one back on them (after last year's elimination final)."