West Coast are “not expecting a change in captaincy” forward of the 2023 season, with Eagles soccer supervisor Gavin Bell backing Luke Shuey to retain the place.
Shuey, 32, has held the highest job since premiership skipper Shannon Hurn stepped down on the finish of 2019 however has been stricken by delicate tissue accidents for his three-season tenure.
Bell revealed that whereas the annual course of would nonetheless be accomplished, he doesn’t see Shuey relinquishing the position.
“We’re not expecting any changes in the captaincy,” Bell informed Sport FM.
“Luke’s done a wonderful job. He’s a great leader, he’s a good man and he sets the tone and really role models what we’re after from a playing group.
“Not expecting (a) change but we’ll see how the process goes back end of January.”
Reigning membership champion Tom Barrass and fellow defender Liam Duggan have been touted as potential replacements, although each have insisted Shuey ought to retain the position subsequent season.
Prized key ahead Oscar Allen, who was named Best Clubman for 2022 regardless of not enjoying a sport, is one other title within the combine – though the 23-year-old is trying to overcome his personal harm woes from the previous 12 months.
“We’ve got to manage him,” Bell mentioned. “He’s missed a full year and Oscar just loves hard work, trains with great intensity and is always trying to get better.
“It’s important for us to help manage his workload. Hold him back at times, when he wants to keep going.
“Just to make sure we get him in the best possible condition, get him as healthy as possible so that he can have a good year for us out on the field.”
The Eagles are additionally holding a detailed eye on twin All-Australian utility Elliot Yeo, who Bell mentioned appeared lean and robust after copping criticism throughout one more injury-interrupted season.
“Elliot, I guess back to 2020, has been having sort of different injuries and different issues with his body,” Bell mentioned.
“What I can say now is that he’s back and he’s running well, he’s involved in training. He’s lean, he’s looking strong – so we’re really pleased with where Elliot is.”
Despite the optimistic indicators, the membership will take their time with the 29-year-old, who has performed simply 17 video games over the previous two seasons.
“He hasn’t played a lot of footy over the past couple of years so we need to be mindful of that,” Bell mentioned.
“We need to get him as healthy as we can and as fit as we can, so that he can bring what he does to game day.
“I think we saw signs of it in the middle of the year, he started to have that power and explosiveness off half back.
“Whether he plays there or with the midfield, Simmo (senior coach Adam Simpson) will weight that up with the coaching staff as we get going.
“But the priority is to get Elliot healthy and fit.”
West Coast will disband for a Christmas break following this week’s coaching block however will re-form as pre-season kicks into second gear forward of what’s anticipated to be a gruelling pre-season.
