A chronic groin problem, two hernia operations, a fractured leg, a bung knee and a bout of glandular fever - it's fair to say West Coast midfielder Luke Shuey has experienced his fair share of bad luck.

But rather than cursing his misfortune, Shuey is quick to put it all into perspective.

In February last year, Shuey's 17-year-old sister Melanie tragically died when she was struck by a motorcycle while crossing the road.

It's little wonder Shuey no longer views injuries as a major issue in life.

"I suppose losing my sister put everything into perspective," Shuey says.

"I learnt football's a really small part of life.

"Every injury I've had I've thought about what happened with Mel and it's really reassured me that things aren't really that bad, it's just something I'm going to get over."

Shuey, snared by West Coast with pick No.18 in the 2008 national draft, had his first season at the club ruined by osteitis pubis and a fractured leg.

The 20-year-old broke through for his AFL debut in round one this year and immediately made his mark, averaging 16 possessions and booting four goals over three games before a knee injury forced him to the sidelines.

A bout of glandular fever laid him low just when he was ready to resume, but Shuey's resolve has only been strengthened by the setbacks.

And teammate Beau Waters, who is in sparkling form after overcoming a career-threatening elbow injury that kept him out of the game for 18 months, has been another source of inspiration for Shuey.

"Beau Waters is my mentor at the club," Shuey says.

"He was in a similar position (to me) and he's got the utmost respect from the player group given what he went through.

"He's given me advice on what to do off-field.

"Everyone's seen how well he's come back so that gives me hope I can come back."

Shuey, touted by coach John Worsfold as a future leader, is on track to return to WAFL ranks within three weeks and has his sights set on breaking back into West Coast's line-up for the dying rounds of the season in a bid to help the club avoid the wooden spoon.

The young Victorian admits to mixed feelings watching the likes of Hayden Ballantyne, David Zaharakis, Tom Swift, Nick Suban, Dayne Beams, Daniel Hannebery, Mitch Robinson and Todd Banfield - all players selected after him in the 2008 draft - carve out promising careers.

"I suppose there's been times where I've been a bit jealous watching guys my age play good games," Shuey admits.

"I was good mates with David Zaharakis, who actually kicked the winning goal on Anzac Day.

"So I'd be lying if I said I didn't want it to be me.

"But as much as I wanted it to be me, I'm happy for them because I've grown up playing against them and we've got good relationships and I know one day I'll be out with them and hopefully in a successful team.

"I'm still dreaming of playing for 10 years and achieving a lot in my time here."

And with a slice of luck on the injury front, Shuey is destined to achieve that dream and more.

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