West Coast’s AFL premiership defence has received a shot in the arm with All-Australian duo Josh Kennedy and Shannon Hurn signing one-year contract extensions.
Forward Kennedy and key defender Hurn, both 31, were critical components of the Eagles’ flag-winning spine last season and will now be under contract until the end of the 2020 season.
The veteran pair, who have made 447 AFL appearances for West Coast between them, were pleased to finalise the deals early in the year.
“It’s nice to get it locked away so I can focus on the season,” Hurn told the club’s official website.
Hurn, who has captained the Eagles for the past four years, will become just the eighth West Coast player to reach the 250-game milestone when he plays his second match of the 2019 season.
Two-time Coleman Medal winner Kennedy is the Eagles’ record goal kicker with 551 goals in his 199 games.
“I’d like to thank West Coast for another opportunity and I’m really excited about another year with this fantastic club and group of lads,” he said.
Kennedy has been ruled out for the Eagles’ pre-season clashes against Geelong and Fremantle after off-season shoulder surgery and being “deloaded” due to foot soreness after the Christmas break.
But the superstar forward, who returned to his home state from Carlton as part of the blockbuster Chris Judd trade in 2007, remains on track to play in the season opener against Brisbane at the Gabba on March 23.
Kennedy booted three goals in the Eagles’ five-point grand final win over Collingwood while Hurn was a rock in defence with 21 possessions, five marks and four tackles.
© AAP
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