West Coast Eagles games record holder and 2018 premiership captain Shannon Hurn has announced his retirement from the AFL.
Key points:
- Shannon Hurn was the first West Coast Eagle to play 300 AFL games
- He was the club’s premiership captain in 2018
- He said he knew the ‘time is right’ to step away from the game
Hurn, affectionately known as ‘Bunga’, told his teammates of his decision on Tuesday morning and he will retire at the end of the season.
“I love playing the game and I know I’m really going to miss it,” Hurn said.
“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.”
Hurn, 35, was taken with pick 13 in the 2005 National Draft, after playing for Central Districts in the SANFL.
He made his debut the following year, but missed out on being part of West Coast’s premiership team in 2006.
He was appointed club captain in 2015, and led the Eagles to the AFL grand final that year where they were soundly beaten by Hawthorn.
But three years later he enjoyed the game’s ultimate triumph, when he and coach Adam Simpson lifted the premiership cup after a thrilling win over Collingwood.
In 2021 he became the first West Coast Eagle to play 300 games for the club.
‘It has been a great honour’
Hurn said he had cherished his time in WA.
“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,” he said.
“There are life-long 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.
“Obviously all of my teammates, my two senior coaches – John Worsfold and Adam Simpson – as well as CEO Trevor Nisbett have all been significant. Naturally, my family has always been wonderfully supportive.”
‘An honest and humble person’
Simpson paid tribute to Hurn, saying he was one of the most consistent players he had come across in his time in the game.
“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.”
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