It’s the tip of a blue and golden period at West Coast because the membership bids farewell to 3 of its favorite sons.
Nic Naitanui, Shannon Hurn and Luke Shuey couldn’t be extra totally different each on and off the sector however the trio share not less than one factor, every will go away an enduring legacy on the Eagles.
Hurn, the membership’s games-record holder, will retire after 333 video games in a becoming curtain name towards Adelaide, after being drafted out of South Australia again in 2005.
Most considerably, he retires as a premiership captain after hoisting the cup alongside Adam Simpson within the overcome Collingwood in 2018.
Whether it’s Simpson’s last recreation on the helm is but to be revealed however there isn’t a doubt the coach will likely be intently monitored all through his 227th recreation in cost for any indicators it could be his final.
As Hurn’s successor, hard-nut skipper Shuey will fall agonisingly wanting the 250-game milestone, hanging up the boots – his moniker – after 248 video games.
The 2018 Norm Smith medallist led his workforce by the inflatable Eagle for one final time accompanied b his kids, Ollie and Georgia, earlier than handing them off to his spouse Dani as the 2 shared a young kiss.
Shuey was the primary Eagle to heat up pre-game, sporting a shirt emblazoned with “Shannon Hurn”.
The remainder of the enjoying squad quickly joined their skipper on subject sporting the identical shirt, which Hurn’s household additionally donned.
“We’ll be just as proud of him today for his 333rd as we have been since he first started 18 years ago,” Hurn’s sister Ashton instructed The West.
“To be retiring with Luke Shuey and Nic Naitanui, it’s something that Shannon’s really excited about… hopefully they can get a win tonight.”
Naitanui was compelled to take a seat out the membership’s grand last triumph with a long-term knee damage and a merciless, career-ending Achilles concern means he gained’t get the possibility so as to add to his 213 video games.
The famous person ruck has not gone below the radar since he was collected with decide two in 2008 and didn’t once more on Saturday.
After watching his teammates run by the inflatable Eagle, Naitanui walked out to an enormous cheer from Eagles followers. He was joined by his pregnant fiance Brittany and son Ezekiel, whereas West Coast legend Josh Kennedy and premiership participant Chris Masten have been additionally on-field.
Naitanui made one last look within the centre circle, the place he had terrorised so many opposition ruckmen through the years.
He was in control of the coin toss, which Shuey misplaced, earlier than becoming a member of the workforce within the huddle.
West Coast spared no expense, with indicators of “THANK YOU” hanging across the stadium, emblazoned with the retirees’ faces.
Three large banners, which have been unveiled at coaching throughout the week, additionally made an look pre-game.
Meanwhile, 30,000 hand-held posters have been distributed for many who didn’t make their very own indicators.
However, many got here ready.
Most thanked the gamers, whereas others requested for his or her boots – a development that has emerged in 2023.
Reagan Gough is hoping his signal will appeal to Luke Shuey’s boots.
The 14-year-old predicted nothing however class from his favorite Eagle.
“I reckon Luke Shuey is going to kick three goals… It kind of sucks that he’s retiring.”
Eagles supporter Michelle Johnson stated the lack of three greats was “heartbreaking” as she hoped to see the workforce pull off a win.
“Shannon Hurn is a legend, I wish he would have gone on for another year, but unfortunately, your body can only take so much,” she stated.
“He’s kind, genuine and just a trooper. He’s a real true player, which all three of them are.”
Supporter Lyn Clarke, who has been an Eagles member for 28 years, stated she’ll miss Naitanui “terribly” as she mirrored on his “outstanding” profession.
“He is one of the original inspirational members of the team that we all adored,” she stated.
“He was a young boy who grew up into this beautiful young man and we we’ll miss terribly.
“We’ll miss not only his football but his presence and sense of humour.”
As the gamers’ faces flashed on the massive display screen previous to bounce down, there was an enormous cheer reserved for Shuey. But he was upstaged by Hurn, who drew the loudest roar from the Optus Stadium crowd.
Despite supporting cross-town rivals Fremantle, WA Premier Roger Cook says the trio’s influence on soccer within the State transcends allegiances.
“Regardless of which footy team you barrack for, Nic Naitanui, Shannon Hurn and Luke Shuey are synonymous with Western Australia,” Cook stated.
“More than just footballers, they were the utmost professionals who provided a long list of historic moments for the Eagles, but it is how they carried themselves off the field too that speaks to their character and their contribution to our great State.
“I may be a proud Freo supporter but I’m sure I am not the only one who agrees the names Naitanui, Hurn and Shuey will be remembered and revered by football fans, regardless of which team they support.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
