WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson says he can't wait to see Luke Shuey's next 100 games after watching highlights of his first 100 this week.
Shuey will play his 100th AFL game on Saturday night against Adelaide, but in the aftermath of the death of Adelaide coach and long-time West Coast assistant Phil Walsh last week, any celebrations of the milestone will be muted.
However, Simpson said the 25-year-old Shuey deserved plenty of plaudits.
"I am really proud of the fact he has got to this milestone," Simpson said on Friday.
"He has got a lot of empathy for the club, he (cares). He's also an A-grade player with tremendous talent and leadership qualities, and I am really looking forward to the next 100.
"We watched a highlights package before training, and there must have been 40 goals he has kicked where he has taken two bounces after bursting out of a stoppage. It is one of the best tapes I have ever seen. Hopefully that puts me in good spirits tomorrow night."
Shuey is averaging 22 disposals this season and has kicked 14 goals. Simpson said Shuey was a genuine match-winner with a rare ability to hit targets off both feet at top pace.
"I see him as one of our best players who can break a game open and he gets attention every week," Simpson said.
"He's an important player.
"Sam Mitchell is probably the best I've seen on both sides, but he's not far from it, especially on the run. That left foot on the run is a really hard skill to have and I didn't coach it into him. I think he had it before I got here."
Shuey finished third in the Eagles' best and fairest last season. It was his highest-ever finish since being selected at No.18 in the 2008 NAB AFL draft.
Eagles skipper Shannon Hurn said last Monday that Shuey has the capacity to go to the next level as an AFL midfielder.
"You see all the best players, they have an influence on the game all the time, and Luke has been doing that really well in the past three years," Hurn said.
"With the way he goes about his footy and the hard work he does around the club, I can see him going again, going to another step."
Shuey has endured a lot in his six years at AFL level. Not long after he was drafted, his sister passed away back in Victoria.
In his first few seasons he struggled with osteitis pubis, fractured his leg, had two hernia operations and was diagnosed with glandular fever.
Hurn said Shuey's current form is a testament to his perseverance.
"When he first came over to the club, he came over with great expectations on himself," Hurn said.
"Unfortunately he had a family setback, which I think was pretty hard for him.
"And that's where people have that respect for Phil Walsh. He got on really well with Luke and helped him through that, as did the whole club.
"I think that's why in the last two or three years that's helped him play really good, consistent football."
