Shannon Hurn steps down as West Coast Eagles captain
An emotional Shannon Hurn stunned his West Coast teammates when he announced he would be handing over the captaincy next season.
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West Coast spearhead Josh Kennedy says Shannon Hurn’s decision to step down as captain “shocked” the playing group, but reiterated it was a discussion the leadership group had engaged in with Hurn for a while.
Speaking on Fox Sports, the 32-year-old admitted it was an emotional announcement when Hurn presented to his players.
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“Coming out today it’s obviously a bit of a shock for a lot of people but it’s been, I suppose, in the pipeline for a few years now,” Kennedy said.
“We’ve always been talking about it as the leadership group.
“Shannon’s been an absolute terrific captain for this football club, the standards he’s set with this playing group are second to none.
“Shannon feels it’s time now to, I suppose, palm it down and for him to focus on football and obviously help this next generation of leaders coming through.”
Hurn, who sits third on the list of West Coast’s longest serving skippers (120 games) after five years in the role, said he could no longer commit the time required to both lead and perform at the highest level.
Vice-captain Luke Shuey is considered the leading contender for the position, with Hurn’s decision paving the way for the 29-year-old Norm Smith medallist to assume the role.
Shuey and champion forward Josh Kennedy, 32, have been joint vice-captains for the past three seasons, with Nic Naitanui, Andrew Gaff and Jeremy McGovern rounding out last season’s leadership group.
The Eagles said players and key football staff would work together to decide on the next captain before presenting that decision to the board.
A two-time All Australian while captain, Hurn said the time was right for a new leader who could “commit the time and pay the respect that the role needs and requires”.
“There have been on-going conversations with the club for the past couple of years and this just feels like the right time to relinquish my role as captain,” Hurn said on the club’s website.
“Instinct is an important part of the game and my gut tells me this is the right time for the next generation of players to lead the way.
This is a decision that is based around what is best for the club over the next four or five years, not just the 2020 season.”
Hurn said he would continue to lead in the same way he has since being announced as captain ahead of the 2015 season.
“I am committed to helping my teammates be better players and to build towards our next premiership. That doesn’t change,” he said.
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“I have thoroughly enjoyed the role and it has been a great honour and privilege to lead this wonderful club. I would like to thank all the players, coaches, staff, members and fans for their outstanding support over the last five years.
“While I have really enjoyed being captain, I feel at this stage in my career I can’t commit the time and pay the respect that the role needs and requires.”
West Coast CEO Trevor Nisbett said Hurn had led the Eagles “impeccably” and he respected his decision to stand down.
“He calls it as he sees it and even in making this decision he has been very clear about it,” Nisbett said.
“Obviously he will continue to play an important role in the team and will support his successor to transition into the position.”
Originally published as Shannon Hurn steps down as West Coast Eagles captain