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Posted: 2023-08-08 03:57:54

West Coast Eagles captain and 2018 premiership player Luke Shuey has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

The club issued a statement late on Tuesday morning, in which the 2018 Norm Smith medallist explained he was mentally motivated to continue, but physically unable.

"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 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 decision.

"I also have great confidence in the senior players who will take the club forward to guide an exciting group of youngsters."

At a press conference at West Coast's Lathlain headquarters, Shuey said retirement had been on his mind for most of the year.

"Obviously when I hurt myself against Carlton … the thought process picked up a notch," he said.

Shuey confirmed he had been offered another contract with the Eagles, but chose to retire instead. 

Luke Shuey handballs out of a tackle

The midfielder has played more than 200 games with West Coast.(AAP: Tony McDonough)

"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 said.

"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."

Shuey said the club was in an important rebuilding phase, and paid homage to the "special memories" created during his time at the club.

"Being a part of a premiership means I will have a lifelong connection with 21 other blokes, but it doesn't end there," he said.

"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."

'A wonderful role model'

West Coast Coach Adam Simpson said Shuey had been a brilliant servant of the club.

"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.

A close-up photo of Adam Simpson in front of a West Coast Eagles banner at a press conference.

Simpson thanked the outgoing player for his guidance at the club.(ABC News: Tabarak Al Jrood)

"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."

West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett said Shuey had been an "outstanding contributor" over the 247 games he had played for the team.

The move comes after former West Coast captain Shannon Hurn announced his retirement a week ago.

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