West Coast Eagles captain Luke Shuey will miss the start of the season after scans today revealed a low-grade hamstring strain.

The brilliant midfielder strained his hamstring in the final competitive training session yesterday and will be sidelined for the next two to three weeks – meaning he will miss next week’s season opener against the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium.

Shuey had been building nicely towards the start of the season, gradually build on his game time in both pre-season matches against Fremantle and looked in fine fettle.

He was light on his feet and efficient with the football, but must now wait for the start of his personal 2021 campaign.

With Shuey sidelined, the case builds for emerging youngster Xavier O’Neill to get an opportunity in the match against the Suns next Sunday, although classy on-baller Tim Kelly will be ready to play and the versatile Liam Duggan is an option to play in the engine room.