Shannon Hurn has stepped down as captain of the West Coast Eagles after 123 games in the role.
Hurn, who skippered the Eagles to premiership glory in 2018, believes the time is right to relinquish the position and prioritise his own performances.
One of the AFL’s most respected leaders, the 32-year-old is West Coast’s third longest serving captain behind John Worsfold and Darren Glass.
“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 told westcoasteagles.com.au.
“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.
“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 will now look to appoint an 11th club captain with vice-captains Josh Kennedy and Luke Shuey the likely replacements.
Kane Cornes thinks Shuey should assume the role as Eagles skipper.