Former West Coast captain Shannon Hurn has joined what could become a lengthy list of big-name AFL retirements after calling time on his 332 game career.
He’s the second former club captain to pull the pin after North Melbourne’s Jack Ziebell and a day after all-time great Lance Franklin confirmed he wouldn’t play on in 2024.
The current Eagles captain, Luke Shuey, is also facing a big call after suffering yet another hamstring injury which could bring his season to a premature close.
Watch every match of every round of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Hurn, 35, who was one of his team’s best players in last Sunday’s drought-breaking win over the Kangaroos, will finish at the end of the season as West Coast’s games record holder.
The 2018 premiership captain told teammates of his decision on Tuesday morning.
“I love playing the game and I know I’m really going to miss it,” Hurn said today. “But I also know the time is right. People have told me that I would know when this moment arrived and it’s here.
“Unfortunately, you can’t go on forever and it’s time for me to step away.
“It has been a great honour to play for this football club over the last 18 years and I have loved it since the day I arrived. There are lifelong friendships and memories that have been created here and I will always be grateful for that.
“There are too many individuals to acknowledge, but I will get to as many of them as possible to thank them personally for the role they have played in my journey.
“I feel very lucky to have played for as long as I have, always wanting to contribute to the team, but ultimately the game does catch up with you – especially at 35.”
West Coast coach Adam Simpson said Hurn, a two-time All Australian, was one of the outstanding leaders he had encountered during his time at the elite level.
“The first thing you want from your leaders is to play well,” Simpson said.
“And there weren’t many times in his career when ‘Bunga’ didn’t do that.
“He is one of only three premiership captains in the history of the club and that honour is not gifted to anyone. He is just such an honest and humble person and it has been a privilege to have been involved in the second half of his career.
“We will definitely miss him and I know our members and fans will cherish what he has done for our club. They will get the chance to express their appreciation over the last couple of home games.”
