West Coast Eagles coach Adam Simpson talks about the death of Kylie Bazzo, mother of Eagles player Rhett.
Premiership player and captain of the West Coast Eagles, he has declared his retirement…
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.”
“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.”
“He has set high standards for himself throughout his career and has undoubtedly set a terrific example for the upcoming generation of athletes from the very beginning.
“He will always be a great of the club and we look forward to celebrating his contribution over the closing weeks of the season.”
Shuey has been a “outstanding contributor” for the West Coast in 247 games during his playing career, according to chief executive Trevor Nisbett.
This action follows Shannon Hurn, a former captain of the West Coast, announcing his retirement one week ago.
An unforgettable show
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 talent, coming in second in the Rising talent competition to Essendon’s Dyson Heppell.
After then, he would average more than 20 appearances per season until 2019, staying among the Eagles’ most reliable players in terms of both form and fitness.
