By Justin Chadwick
Shannon Hurn has survived West Coast’s end-of-season cull, with the 35-year-old handed a one-year AFL contract extension.
Hurn was one of the Eagles’ best players last season, but his future was cast in doubt after the club committed to a rebuild following a woeful 2-20 campaign.
Veteran Shannon Hurn has signed on for another season with the Eagles.Credit:AFL Photos
Premiership stars Josh Kennedy and Jack Redden retired, while Junior Rioli was traded to Port Adelaide.
Jackson Nelson, Hugh Dixon, Zane Trew, Isiah Winder and Tom Joyce were among the players delisted.
And West Coast’s cull became even more brutal when they delisted contracted forward Zac Langdon.
Hurn has played a club-record 320 games for West Coast, and he captained the Eagles to the 2018 flag.
The reliable defender finished runner-up to Tom Barrass in the best-and-fairest count last season.
West Coast said Hurn’s new deal will allow him to play a pivotal educational role with the young players around him “as the club fortifies its commitment to a rebuild”.
“There has never been much doubt about Shannon continuing into 2023,” national recruiting manager Rohan O’Brien said.
“Clearly he was among our best players consistently last season and while he has an important role to play in defence, he is equally vital in helping the development of the next generation.
“The knowledge and football intellect he has built over the last 17 years will continue to be of great benefit to the young players in our squad.”
AAP
