Inspirational West Coast Eagles captain Luke Shuey has today informed the club of his intention to retire at the end of the season.
After producing one of the great individual performances in Grand Final history, the 2018 Norm Smith medallist has decided to join another former captain Shannon Hurn in calling time at season’s end.
Shuey, a big game star and captain for the last four years, is also a dual John Worsfold medallist, was player of the finals in 2019 and also won the club’s emerging talent award in 2011.
“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.
“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.
“I also have great confidence in the senior players who will take the club forward to guide an exciting group of youngsters.
“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.
“I am incredibly grateful to the football club for the opportunities they have given me, the support I have received since the day I set foot in here and the very special memories that have been created.
“Being a part of a premiership means I will have a lifelong connection with 21 other blokes, but it doesn’t end there.
“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.
“To my wife Dani, Oliver and Georgia thank you so much for your amazing support. I look forward to spending some more time with you and also to forging the next chapter.”
Senior coach Adam Simpson said that he had enjoyed witnessing at close hand both Shuey’s impact as a player and also the influence he has had around the playing group through his strong leadership.
“Luke has been a remarkable player for our club, but he also been a wonderful role model and leader,” Simpson said.
“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.
"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.
"He will always be a great of the club and we look forward to celebrating his contribution over the closing weeks of the season."
Chief Executive Trevor Nisbett was also effusive in his praise for the contribution Shuey has made in the 247 games he has so far played the Eagles.
"Luke has been an outstanding contributor to our football club and will always hold a special place in our history," Nisbett said.
"He is one of five Norm Smith medallists in our history and was pivotal to our comeback in the 2018 Grand Final against Collingwood.
"What the public don’t see is the passion and drive that he shows behind the scenes and the wide-ranging impact he has internally.
"Just like Shannon Hurn, who announced his retirement last week, Luke is universally respected around the football club and we will all miss him."
LUKE SHUEY
Drafted: #18, 2008 draft
Games: 247. Goals: 141
Emerging Talent Award: 2011
Club Champion: 2016, 2019
Chris Mainwaring Medal (Best Clubman): 2016
Player of the Finals: 2019
Captain: 2020-2023
Premiership player: 2018
Norm Smith medallist: 2018
West Coast Eagles Life Member: 2017
