Luke Shuey joins West Coast's reshuffled coaching ranks

Former West Coast skipper Luke Shuey has joined the Eagles' coaching staff amid a reshuffle following the club's doomed 2023 campaign.

Shuey, who brought his glittering 248-game AFL career to a close last season, has been named as West Coast's new stoppages coach.

Jarrad Schofield, who oversaw stoppages and strategy last season, will take charge of the midfield group, while Kyal Horsley will take over as coach of the WAFL Eagles side from the departed Robert Wiley.

Luke Webster, who was in charge of the forwards this year, will become West Coast's backline coach, with Matthew Knights transferring from the midfield to the forward-line role.

Jacob Brennan has moved into the forward-line development coach’s role from his position as development program co-ordinator.

Tom Morrison (backline development coach) and Ryan Turnbull (ruck coach) will continue in their positions.

Assistants Daniel Pratt and Mark Nicoski left at the end of last season.

West Coast's dismal 2023 campaign, which yielded only three wins, almost cost coach Adam Simpson his job.

West Coast coach Adam Simpson
West Coast coach Adam Simpson (centre) has been entrusted with the biggest rebuild in club history.

The Eagles' board eventually decided to stick with Simpson, who has been entrusted to oversee the biggest rebuild in the club's history.

Shuey, the 2018 North Smith medallist, had harboured dreams of moving into coaching once his playing career was over, and he is a highly respected and liked figure at West Coast.

“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,” West Coast's football manager Gavin Bell said in a statement.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Justin Leppitsch is set to stay at Collingwood, despite being headhunted by the Western Bulldogs.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae (left) chats with Justin Leppitsch.
Collingwood head coach Craig McRae (left) chats with assistant coach Justin Leppitsch.

The Bulldogs were keen to add Leppitsch to Luke Beveridge's coaching team, but the former Brisbane coach has informed them he will stay with premiers Collingwood.

Leppitsch was Collingwood's head of strategy this season, and is now being tipped to move into a director of football-type role at the Magpies.

Geelong have confirmed James Rahilly has rejoined the club as an assistant after three years as part of Adelaide's coaching staff.

Rahilly played 90 games for the Cats between 1998 and 2005, before working in various roles at Geelong between 2010 and 2020.


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