For many years now Luke Shuey has been an elite midfielder in the AFL, but in the last two or three seasons he has shown a capacity to elevate his game on the big stage.

The most obvious example was the grand final last year when he won the Norm Smith Medal as best afield, but countless times he has shone brightly in the most important games.

He again starred in the Eagles' victory against Essendon – his 200^th game – and earned best-on-ground honours with a 34-possession clinic.

His ball distribution under pressure was something to behold and his capacity to drive the ball forward was a big factor, 10 times sending it inside the attacking 50.

He was also important at the centre bounces, where is innate understanding of Nic Naitanui’s hit zones was evident, racking up five centre clearances.

Shuey combined with the likes of Andrew Gaff, Jack Redden, Elliot Yeo and Dom Sheed to give the Eagles the midfield advantage.