West Coast Eagles champion Shannon Hurn has made the decision to make the remaining 2023 AFL season his last, saying the time was right.
“I love playing the game, and I know I’m really going to miss it,” Hurn said on Tuesday morning.
“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 expressed his gratitude for playing for the club, the memories and the life-long friendships he’s made over the last 18 years.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
Adam Simpson said Hurn was one of the outstanding leaders he had encountered during his time at elite-level AFL.
“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.
West Coast Eagles CEO Trevor Nisbett also commended Hurn, highlighting his exceptional achievements during his decorated career.
“Shannon has been a wonderful player for us over the last 18 years, but more than that, he has been such an outstanding ambassador for our club. A premiership captain, two-time runner-up Club Champion, dual all-Australian, and three-time Glendinning-Allan medallist, he has excelled on the biggest occasions.”
Hurn will participate in the final two home games against Fremantle and Adelaide, providing fans with the opportunity to bid farewell to one of the club’s most esteemed players.
