West Coast captain Luke Shuey is set to return in next Sunday’s blockbuster against the Western Bulldogs, after impressing in his first WAFL game in more than a decade.

Shuey helped lead the Eagles’ reserves to a thrilling five-point win over Subiaco at Leederville Oval, their first victory of the season, having 22 touches and seven marks in an energetic outing across 67 minutes of game time.

He is set to be joined by Tim Kelly, Jeremy McGovern and Brad Sheppard as inclusions for West Coast. The Eagles are preparing to unleash their preferred centre square set-up – comprising Nic Naitanui, Shuey, Kelly and Elliot Yeo – for the first time since round 11 last season.

Joining celebrations in the reserves dressing room was banned forward Willie Rioli, who was among a large group of players who came to support the WAFL side on the senior team’s bye weekend.

Rioli was warmly embraced by teammates during the afternoon, some who saw him for the first time in nearly 18 months, and he happily posed for selfies with fans.

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Rioli’s training ban lifts on Sunday, marking the start of a nine-week pre-season program the Eagles hope will have him available for selection when his two-year doping suspension lifts on August 20.

West Coast reserves coach Daniel Pratt said the eight-day break before the match against the Dogs should enable an ideal preparation for Shuey’s first AFL game in 12 weeks.

The Norm Smith medallist has not played at senior level since suffering a hamstring tendon injury in round three.

“He looked like he was almost back to full fitness today, even with the long lay-off he’s had,” Pratt said.

“He was pretty handy as well, he had some good moments. I’d assume if he pulls up well that he’ll be available and play.

“But if he needs to tick some other boxes, we’ll see what happens during the week. He looks pretty good at the moment.”

Pratt said the day was important for Rioli’s football reintegration.

“It’s great to get him back into the club and it’s probably a good environment for him to come down and watch today and touch base with a few of the boys again,” he said.

“I think the best environment for him to be in now is probably around the boys and the club. I’m sure there’s few things that we’ve got to work through in the next couple of days, but we’re looking forward to having him back.”