The skipper bounced back from an interrupted first half of the year in fine style and managed 17 appearances – his most in a season since 2019.
Shuey’s dreaded hamstring issues came back to bite him during match simulation in January, and the gradual build from that meant he missed round one against Gold Coast, before another setback ahead of round eight against Brisbane added to the frustration.
However, the ever-positive and energetic midfielder got his body right in the second half of the campaign, stringing 13 games in a row together to see out the season and finish seventh in the Club Champion voting.
Signed a one-year contract extension in August to play on for a 14th season in blue and gold, and should reach the 250-game milestone in the back half of the year.
Standout performance: Commanding the clearances
A number of Eagles were at their best against Richmond in round 16 at the MCG, including Shuey.
The 2018 Norm Smith medallist was in everything around the packs, crumbing at the feet of Nic Naitanui again in his comeback game, and helped feed silky star Tim Kelly who dominated with 40 touches and two goals.
Shuey ended with a game-high 11 clearances, plus 26 disposals, 15 contested possessions and six score involvements in a gritty performance.
Season averages
Disposals – 21.4
Tackles – 5.9
Clearances – 5.8
Score involvements – 3.6
Inside 50s – 3.2
