D'Arcy Short has backed up a solid first innings and justified his rare inclusion at the top of Western Australia's top order for the Sheffield Shield final with another gritty knock to help his side to a dominant position over Tasmania.

The 33-year-old was the second wicket to fall in WA's return to the crease with an already healthy 161-run lead after first innings centurion Sam Whiteman was removed before reaching double figures, but not before hitting 38 (82) to back up his day-one half century on Thursday.

Short reached the boundary ropes six times before Tassie quick Beau Webster cramped him up and caught his edge trying to guide one into the off side.

Isn't Beau Webster some cricketer?

A switch to pace after some earlier off-spin immediately brings the wicket of D'Arcy Short #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/uEgd2LeRnb

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 23, 2024

His 88 for the match has added valuable runs for WA's middle order to work on as they chase a third-consecutive Shield title at the WACA.

Short came into the XI replacing season run-leader Cameron Bancroft who was ruled out with concussion after falling off his bike in the days leading up.

Hi contributions have been limited to the bat after going unused as a spin option as the hosts dismissed Tasmania for 186 after posting 347.

Leading into lunch on day four, WA lead by more than 450 with three wickets in hand as former Test allrounder Hilton Cartwright fell just short of a century.

Before Monday's fifth and final day of play, the reigning champs will look to build a mammoth total with one hand already on the trophy.