West Coast midfielder Brad Sheppard says he’s in the best shape of his AFL career, but admits he needs a slice of luck on the injury front in order to reach his full potential.

Sheppard has been blighted by a series of frustrating injuries since being drafted with pick No.7 in the 2009 national draft, with this year a particular challenge.

The 22-year-old’s pre-season was delayed due to ankle surgery, and Sheppard suffered a further setback when he broke his thumb in his first training session after the Christmas break.

A shoulder injury in round two delayed his progress once again, but Sheppard has since returned to peak fitness after playing in West Coast’s past three matches.

Sheppard has played 37 games since debuting in 2010, but has now set his sights on establishing himself in West Coast’s best side.

“This is the strongest and fittest I’ve ever been,” Sheppard said ahead of Monday night’s clash with Richmond in Perth.

“The injuries were tough. I try to have a positive outlook on everything.

“I didn’t want it to derail me or detract from where I want to get to. So I saw a real opportunity there to get a good base behind me and actually use my running power to my advantage.

“I did that and smashed all my times and I can say now I’m pretty happy with my running ability and how I cover the ground.

“The biggest thing for me is just getting my body right and once I get my body right I’m confident that I can perform well at the AFL level.”

West Coast vice-captain Beau Waters failed in his bid to recover from a quad injury in time to take on the Tigers, but wingman Andrew Embley is in line to make his return after several hit-outs in the WAFL.