Former West Coast captain Shannon Hurn has joined what may develop into a prolonged listing of big-name AFL retirements after calling time on his 332-game profession.
He’s the second former membership captain to tug the pin after North Melbourne’s Jack Ziebell and a day after all-time nice Lance Franklin confirmed he wouldn’t play on in 2024.
The present Eagles captain, Luke Shuey, can also be going through a giant name after struggling one more hamstring damage that might carry his season to a untimely shut.
Hurn, 35, who was one among his staff’s greatest gamers in final Sunday’s drought-breaking win over the Kangaroos, will end on the finish of the season as West Coast’s video games report holder.
The 2018 premiership captain instructed teammates of his determination on Tuesday morning.
“I love playing the game and I know I’m really going to miss it,” Hurn mentioned. “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 mentioned Hurn, a two-time All Australian, was one of many excellent leaders he had encountered throughout his time on the elite degree.
“The first thing you want from your leaders is to play well,” Simpson mentioned.
“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.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
