Captain Luke Shuey is the next West Coast great to confirm his AFL retirement, saying his ongoing hamstring problems have made the decision for him.
His announcement comes a week after fellow Eagles premiership player Shannon Hurn announced he would also not go on beyond this season.
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Shuey, 33, has not returned since suffering his most recent hamstring injury in the Round 19 loss to Carlton.
Captain for the last four seasons, he has managed only nine AFL games this year.
The 247-game midfielder is an all-time West Coast great, winning the Norm Smith Medal as best afield in their epic 2018 grand final win over Collingwood.
Luke Shuey with his Norm Smith Medal after the 2018 grand final. Credit: Getty Images
“As much as my mind wants to go on, my body won’t allow it and I have made the decision to retire at the end of this season,” Shuey said in a club statement.
“We have tried everything to get my body right so I can contribute as I would like, but unfortunately a series of hamstring injuries have led me to this this decision.”
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The retirement announcements from Shuey and Hurn come with the Eagles equal-bottom and likely to win the second wooden spoon in club history.
“I have great confidence in the senior players who will take the club forward to guide an exciting group of youngsters,” he said.
“We are at an important phase of the rebuild, we’ll bring in more talented youngsters in this year’s draft and I know I will enjoy seeing them all make their mark on the competition in the coming years.”
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The two-time club best-and-fairest winner said he was “incredibly grateful” to the Eagles for his AFL career, as well as thanking his wife Dani and their two children.
“Being a part of a premiership means I will have a lifelong connection with 21 other blokes, but it doesn’t end there,” he said.
“The friendships I have made with players, coaches and staff over the last 15 years will remain with me forever. I would like to thank my senior coaches – John Worsfold and Adam Simpson – and all my teammates over the journey.”
Simpson said Shuey had been a great role model, as well as as remarkable player.
Ryan Daniels says Shuey has been underrated throughout his AFL career. Credit: Getty Images
“We have seen that impact even this year when he has been able to play but unfortunately, he has not been able to get out there as often as he would have liked,” Simpson said.
“He has driven high standards throughout his career and has certainly provided a great example right from the get-go for the young players who will be the future.”
7NEWS footy reporter Ryan Daniels said Shuey had been a champion for his club but his value had not been properly appreciated in the wider AFL world.
“What a player Luke Shuey has been. Criminally underrated,” Daniels said.
“West Coast skipper through a tough period, premiership player, Norm Smith medallist, two-time club champion. 247 games, 141 goals – and a brilliant leader on and off field.”
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