West Coast premiership captain Shannon Hurn announces retirement

West Coast Eagles defender, premiership captain and games record holder Shannon Hurn has announced today he will retire at the end of the 2023 season.

Arguably one of the club’s most decorated and celebrated players, the humble former captain told the team earlier today.

“I love playing the game and I know I’m really going to miss it… But I also know the time is right. People have told me that I would know when this moment arrived and it’s here,” he said.

“Unfortunately, you can’t go on forever and it’s time for me to step away.”

The news comes after Hurn was again one of the Eagles’ best afield in their drought-breaking win over North Melbourne in front of over 38,000 appreciative fans last Sunday.

It was game number 332 for the veteran.

“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 life-long friendships and memories that have been created here and I will always be grateful for that.”

The Eagles will host a media conference at 1.15pm today, streamed via the club’s Facebook page.

Barring injury, Hurn intends to play the club’s final two home games, offering fans a chance to say goodbye to one of the club’s most beloved players.

“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,” said West Coast CEO Trevor Nisbett.

Image Credit: West Coast Eagles