LUKE Shuey has joined elite West Coast company and denied two-time reigning club champion Elliot Yeo's shot at history after being crowned the John Worsfold medallist for a second time on Friday night.
A superb finish to the season ensured Shuey (258 votes) took the honours, ahead of midfield counterpart Yeo (239) and backman Brad Sheppard (234).
Last year's Norm Smith medallist, Shuey becomes the seventh Eagle in history to win the best and fairest twice, after previously claiming the award in 2016.
He led West Coast for clearances this year, and was second for average disposals, inside 50s and third for contested possessions, and told a packed room he has never enjoyed his football and family life away from the game more.
"Obviously having a love outside of football has taken my mind off it during the week and come gameday you realise you haven't thought about footy for a few days and you're completely revved up and ready to go," Shuey said.
"Maybe winning the premiership last year had something to do with it as well.
"Knowing we're a good football club and we've got some amazing people here, I get to rock up to work with 43 of the most amazing teammates I could ever imagine."
Yeo was gunning for a third straight triumph, which has only previously been achieved by club legends Glen Jakovich (1993-95) and Ben Cousins (2001-03).
Elliot Yeo had another outstanding season for the Eagles. Picture: AFL Photos
Guy McKenna (1989, '99), Chris Judd (2004, '06) and Darren Glass (2007, '09, '11) are the only other multiple John Worsfold medallists.
Sheppard was rewarded for his career-best campaign with his first-ever podium finish in a year when he received recognition in the extended All Australian squad for the first time.
One of five Eagles to play every game this season, Shuey stormed home to clinch the title, averaging 28.5 disposals in the last six matches.
He shared the Player of the Finals award with prolific wingman Andrew Gaff, who finished fourth overall with 231 votes despite missing the first two rounds due to suspension.
Star forward Jack Darling capped his best season when he earned a first All Australian blazer with 199 votes to claim fifth spot.
Exciting forward Liam Ryan was the big mover from outside the established Eagles stars, climbing to seventh spot behind Jeremy McGovern for his first top-10 placing.
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Young tall Oscar Allen was named Emerging Talent after establishing himself in 21 appearances and kicking 20 goals this year.
Departing WAFL captain Fraser McInnes received the coveted Chris Mainwaring Medal as best clubman following news of his delisting after eight seasons for 14 senior appearances.
Keegan Brooksby took home the inaugural WAFL best and fairest award, while Chad Morrison, Mark Nicoski, Richard Colless, Robert Armstrong and Mark Hohnen were named life members.
Small forward Willie Rioli was absent from the gala event on Friday night as he faces separate ASADA investigations that could derail his career.
"I haven't been in touch with him, no, not overly. I sent him a text but obviously he's got a lot going on," Shuey said.
"I didn't expect a reply but it's sort of sad not having him here. He's part of our playing group, but he's going through what he's going through, so we support him, we wrap our arms around him. He's one of us.
"Hopefully, he can come out the other side a better player, better man, better person and I look forward to the day I see him for the first time, I think I'll give him a big hug."
Winning the John Worsfold Medal was the start of a big week for Shuey, who will marry partner Dani next weekend.
The Eagles' star, who looms as the next skipper after Shannon Hurn, hopes West Coast can deliver a gift in the form of Geelong midfielder Tim Kelly once the Telstra AFL Trade Period begins on Monday.
"Fingers, toes are crossed. Told my missus to cross her fingers and toes as well. He's an amazing player," Shuey said.
"To do what he's done in his first two years of football, it's pretty special.
"You look at the impact he's had for Geelong the last few years, and they've got some pretty special players there, obviously Joel (Selwood) for what he's done over his career, Paddy Dangerfield, (Gary) Ablett, but arguably Tim Kelly was their best player this year.
"I thought he was going to come last year and it didn't happen, so I won't hold my breath this year, but we'll see what happens.
"He's a star, so hopefully things can work out for us next week."
John Worsfold Medal - Top 10
1. Luke Shuey (258)
2. Elliot Yeo (239)
3. Brad Sheppard (234)
4. Andrew Gaff (231)
5. Jack Darling (199)
6. Jeremy McGovern (198)
7. Liam Ryan (190)
8. Dom Sheed (182)
9. Shannon Hurn (177)
10. Jack Redden (164)
