Hurn named new Eagles captain
West Coast’s Shannon Hurn has today been unveiled as the club’s new captain.
The 27-year-old defender becomes the 10th man to lead the Eagles, replacing the retired Darren Glass.
Josh Kennedy and Scott Selwood have been retained as vice-captains.
Hurn was appointed to the role after consultation with the players, the coaching staff and club management.
The South Australian, just the second interstate player to skipper the club after Victorian Chris Judd, said he was honoured to accept the role and clear about what kind of captain he wanted to be.
“Hopefully a premiership one, that would be nice,” he said.
Hurn was one of four players to captain the club in the latter half of last season in a system designed to help choose Glass’ successor.
Kennedy, Eric Mackenzie and Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis were the others to captain the side on game-day, with Selwood also believed to be in the mix despite being sidelined with injury.
Hurn said he had firm designs on leading the club right throughout the process and was delighted to have the support of the entire club behind him.
“Initially when you first come into the club you want to establish yourself as a player and hopefully once you have that under control you try to help other players to become better,” he said.
“I think I have been able to do that the last three or four years
“Last year there was a time when I thought, yes, I really want to do this.”
West Coast coach and former North Melbourne captain Adam Simpson said Hurn was a relatively easy choice.
“Obviously early on there's the potential to overthink the situation but I think he's got a pretty good balance and part of the attraction to get him on board,” he said.
“Good leaders and good captains have genuine care for the club and I think all of our leaders display that.”
