Former Eagles captain Luke Shuey will continue on at West Coast next year through an off-field position, joining Adam Simpson's coaching panel from 2024.
The Eagles have reconstructed their coaching team before pre-season training starts next month with Luke Webster to lead the club's backline while Matthew Knights moves to coach the forwards. Shuey will be overseeing stoppages, while Jarrad Schofield will lead the midfield group and Kyal Horsley will be in charge of the WAFL Eagles in 2024.
The retired captain will bring 248 games of experience to the coaching panel, along with being a Norm Smith medallist and premiership player from 2018 and winning West Coast's best and fairest twice in 2016 and 2019.
West Coast General Manager of Football Gavin Bell was thrilled that Shuey will continue to be around the playing group in 2024 after retiring at the conclusion of this season.
“Anyone who has crossed paths with Luke knows what a fantastic role model and ambassador for the club he has been across a storied career and we are thrilled to add him to our coaching team,” Bell said.
“Whilst doing everything he could to get the most out of his body towards the end of his playing career, Luke was also diligently preparing for his transition into coaching and he spent time in the coaches box gaining a different perspective on the game.
“His expertise around stoppage craft is outstanding and retaining that knowledge and his understanding of our players will be invaluable.”
Horsley joined West Coast at the end of 2020 as the midfield development coach and now will be taking charge of the WAFL Eagles. Also, Jacob Brennan is the new forward line development coach, moving on from his position as the development program coordinator.
Backline development coach Tom Morrison and ruck coach Ryan Turnbull will continue in their positions.
“Kyal's energy and passion for educating our younger players has shone through in his three years at the club and after Rob Wiley stepped aside it is a great opportunity for Kyal to take his coaching skillset to the next level in charge of his own side,” Bell said.
“With Luke joining, some other changes of roles – including Jacob's - and the addition of Mathew Innes as High Performance Manager, we believe that refresh of our Football Department will help us get the most out of our players next season.”
It's expected there will be further changes to West Coast Eagle's football department over the off-season