WEST Coast star Luke Shuey believes the hardships he has suffered throughout his short career have steeled him to become a better, more important player for the Eagles.

Speaking before West Coast's cutthroat final against Collingwood on Saturday night, Shuey said he believed the Eagles were a better team in 2012 and well placed for a tilt at the flag.

After being selected with pick 18 in the 2008 NAB AFL National Draft, Shuey's career was put on hold; first due to injury, then the tragic death of his 17-year-old sister in a road accident.

Shuey spent much of 2009 back home in Victoria with family and friends, coming to grips with the loss of his sister and taking stock before returning to Western Australia to again begin his career.

But in an interview with AFL Central, Shuey revealed the impact of his 'tough' early days as an Eagle has made him a better person.

"Mentally it steeled me to be able to cope with anything AFL throws at me, injuries and illness, which makes me the person I am today," Shuey said.

He also revealed he hoped to be drafted to one of the AFL's big Victorian clubs before being taken by the Eagles.

"There's no denying that you want to stay in your home state. I was sort of hoping for a Collingwood or a Hawthorn to pick me up … but like any kid in the country that loves footy, you'd be willing to go anywhere to follow your dreams," he said, before adding he was happy to call Perth home. 

Shuey has followed a stellar 2011 season, where he averaged 20 possessions a game, with another comprehensive showing in the midfield, taking his average possessions a game to 23.

The 22-year-old, who played game 50 against Hawthorn in round 23, has again been a key contributor to the Eagles' scoring power, ranked fourth at the club for both goal assists and inside 50s a game.

Shuey has excelled at both forward entries and goal assists since his debut in 2010.

He built on a solid six games in 2010 to lead the Eagles in goal assists in 2011, when the club climbed the ladder to once again become a force, ultimately bowing out against eventual premier Geelong in the preliminary final.

In that time West Coast's average points went from 1773 at the end of the home and away season in 2010 (ranked 13th in the AFL) to 2235 at the end of the 2011 home and away season (fourth) to 2244 at the end of the 2012 home and away season (sixth).

His run and carry has also been vital.

Shuey averages 439 metres gained a game - second at the Eagles behind Andrew Gaff and equal 19th in the competition. He has gained 8777 metres for West Coast this season (including last week's elimination final against North Melbourne).

He also ranks ninth in the AFL for bounces, again the second best Eagle behind Gaff.

Importantly, Shuey has increased his output in games away from Patersons Stadium, averaging 23 possessions a game away from the Eagles' home compared to 19 in 2011.

When West Coast has lost, Shuey has averaged almost 22 possessions a game in 2012 compared to 17 in 2011.

Shuey started the 2012 finals campaign promising to fly the flag after a disappointing series in 2011.

He also feels he needs to repay the Eagles after twice being suspended in 2012.

Winning the battle against Collingwood's star-studded midfield on Saturday night may be just the place to start.