West Coast Eagles utility player Mark Nicoski will have shoulder surgery next week, bringing a premature end to his 2010 campaign.

Nicoski’s right shoulder “popped out” for the second time this season when contesting a mark against Richmond last Sunday and after consulting the club’s medical team, he has decided on having a shoulder reconstruction.

“I really didn’t have any choice,” Nicoski said. “I could have gone through the rehabilitation process of recovering from the most recent injury, but it was probably only going to pop again if I received a solid knock to the shoulder.

“So, after discussing the best course of action - for the West Coast Eagles and myself - with the medical staff, I decided to have the operation. It means this season is over for me, but I can use the latter part of the year to build up the strength in the shoulder for pre-season training and to get ready for 2011.

“While I will focus on my recovery from shoulder surgery, I still want to have an impact around the club, helping our younger players in any way possible.

“It is really disappointing and I would give anything to be able to continue this year, but I have to take a long-term view.”

Nicoski first damaged the shoulder in the round two match against Port Adelaide and endured the recovery process to resume in the round seven clash against Hawthorn.

The 26-year-old, who played almost exclusively as a rebounding half-back before being swung into attack this year, has played 87 games and his experience and versatility will be missed in the second half of the year.