Luke Shuey, a 2018 Premiership player and captain of the West Coast Eagles, has declared he will retire at the end of the season.
The 2018 Norm Smith medallist said in a statement released by the club late on Tuesday morning that he was physically unable to continue, but he was emotionally motivated to.
“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,” he stated.
We have made every effort to correct my body so I may give as much as I would like to, but regrettably, a string of hamstring strains has forced me to make this choice.
“I also have great confidence in the senior players who will take the club forward to guide an exciting group of youngsters.”
During an event held at West Coast’s Lathlain headquarters, Shuey stated that he had been considering retiring for the majority of the year.
“Obviously when I hurt myself against Carlton … the thought process picked up a notch,” he stated.
Shuey acknowledged that the Eagles had extended an offer to him for a new deal, but he decided to retire.
“I think deep down I was hoping to get the tap on the shoulder, which I didn’t get, I got offered another year and that made the decision really hard,” he stated.
“As much as my last three years were riddled with injury, I’m so grateful that for most of my career I had a really good run at it.”
The club, according to Shuey, is going through a significant renovation phase. He also honored the “special memories” he made while working there.
“Being a part of a premiership means I will have a lifelong connection with 21 other blokes, but it doesn’t end there,” he stated.
“I will always cherish the friendships I have formed over the last 15 years with players, coaches, and staff. I’d like to express my gratitude to all of my teammates along the way as well as my senior coaches, John Worsfold and Adam Simpson.
“I want to thank Oliver, Georgia, and my wife Dani for all of your incredible support. I’m excited to write the next chapter and spend some more time with you.”
Shuey, according to West Coast Coach Adam Simpson, has been an outstanding member of the team.
“Luke has been a remarkable player for our club, but he also been a wonderful role model and leader,” Simpson stated.
Even this year, when he has been able to play, we have witnessed that influence; sadly, he has not been able to get out there as frequently as he would have liked.
Adam Simpson, the coach of West Coast, says Shuey has been a fantastic player for the team.
“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 influence even in this year, when he has been able to play; sadly, he has not been able to get out there as often as he would have liked.
Dom Sheed’s accuracy with his left foot late in the game will always be associated with the 2018 AFL Grand Final.
However, Luke Shuey’s one-man campaign, which was multifaceted, was more important than most in securing the fourth flag of the West Coast.
Despite having injuries hinder his career at both ends, Shuey’s reputation as one of the Eagles greats has been cemented by his propensity to succeed on the greatest stage.
A damaged leg and osteitis pubis would force him to wait until 2010 to make his debut, during a season that saw West Coast lose to its first wooden spoon. He was drafted out of Victoria in 2008.
2011 saw Shuey become a breakout star, second only to Dyson Heppell of Essendon.
