The Thunder thumped East Fremantle by 86 points after watching its 2016 premiership flag being unfurled in front of the proud home crowd.
“We played really strongly and have started the year in good fashion,” Shepherd said.
“Our pressure was relentless.”
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He said Leroy Jetta and Matthew Taberner both played well in the forward line, while midfielders Harley Balic, Traye Bennell and Gerald Ugle were also standouts.
In the backline, Ethan Hughes and Sam Collins continued their fine form, and big men Sean Darcy and Luke Strnadica were also dominant.
Shepherd said the flag unfurling was a great day for the club.
“That gave us a brief period of time to reflect on our achievement,” he said.
Shepherd also acknowledged the performance of Josh Mathers, who notched up his 50th game on Saturday after coming back from a leg injury last season.
He said the club was now focusing on next week’s clash with South Fremantle.
“It will be a tough game next weekend because they lost on the weekend so they will be keen to strike back. They were the premiership favourite at the start of the year; we will be keen to have a crack at them,” he said.
The game will be played at home on Saturday; bouncedown 2.15pm.