Free kick debate irrelevant: Eagles' Shuey

West Coast star Luke Shuey isn't bothered by the debate over the free kick that allowed him to seal a memorable AFL elimination final win over Port Adelaide.

Luke Shuey

Luke Shuey has branded the debate over his last-minute free kick against Port Adelaide as irrelevant (AAP)

West Coast's Luke Shuey has branded the debate over his contentious last-minute free kick against Port Adelaide as irrelevant.

With his side trailing by four points with less than 30 seconds remaining in extra time at Adelaide Oval, Shuey was paid a free kick for high contact then kicked a goal after the siren to secure a stunning AFL elimination final win over the Power.

The decision, made by umpire Chris Donlon, has been hotly debated since.

Port's Jared Polec was adjudged to have infringed when his right arm slipped up around Shuey's neck after initially starting around his bicep area.

A change in interpretation of the high contact rule made by the AFL before the season states a player shouldn't be paid a free if he shrugs, drops his knees, ducks or lifts his arm to bring on the high contact.

The AFL gave the decision its seal of approval on Sunday morning and Power coach Ken Hinkley thought it was there -- but many disagree.

Asked for his thoughts on the subject, Shuey declined to get involved.

"It's not for me to comment on ... I don't need to give an opinion," Shuey told reporters on Sunday afternoon.

"It's irrelevant to us now, we move on and focus on next week."

The 27-year-old displayed nerves of steel to slot the winner from 40m on a 45-degree angle to send his team into a semi-final against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson said there was no one he would rather have lined up for goal in that situation than Shuey.

"My head was pretty clear," Shuey said.

"I obviously knew the situation but I've watched on over the last few years and seen guys have shots after the siren and always wondered what it would be like.

"I had a think about the whole situation, to be honest, going to overtime and having to kick after the siren.

"I couldn't help but laugh and have a little smile about the situation.

"I guess I was trying to relax myself a little bit."


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Source: AAP



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