Eagle Ant
Club Legend
- ESSENDON and West Coast are in mourning after Melanie Shuey was killed on Sunday morning.
She was 18 months younger than Luke, who was was selection 18 in last year's national draft.
Shuey has been given indefinite leave by West Coast and has flown to Melbourne to be with his grieving family.
He is out of action for six to eight weeks with a groin problem, so he will be in no rush to hurry back.
Zaharakis arrived at Windy Hill for training on Monday but was quickly given time off and Essendon pledged its full support for the 18-year-old.
The club will help Zaharakis work through any issues when he returns.
One of three recruits from the Northern Knights, Zaharakis was co-captain of Vic Metro last year and was the draft's No. 23 selection.
West Coast communications manager Gary Stocks said the club would support Luke in whatever way it could.
"He went back on Sunday and he'll stay there for as long as he needs," he said. "He's got as much time as required."
Facebook sites were set up with a torrent of tributes for Melanie Shuey yesterday, including an emotional message from brother Luke.
Her father wrote in the Herald Sun's death notices: "I just cannot express what your loss means. You have left so many broken hearts. You were just so special."
While Zaharakis was a Northern Knight and Shuey represented the Oakleigh Chargers, they both shone when playing together for Vic Metro in this year's under-18 championships.
Both are considered stars of the future after being taken high in a superb draft.
Essendon cannot believe its recent streak of bad luck, with a pre-season continuing to take terrible twists.
The club has been beset by a record post-season surgery list and bizarre injuries, including David Hille being hurt by a stingray and first-round pick David Hurley having his gall bladder removed
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/sport/afl/story/0,26633,25037749-5016215,00.html
My condolances to the Sheuy family.
