Premiership captain Shannon Hurn says he followed his gut in deciding to stand down as skipper after five years in the role.
Norm Smith medallist Luke Shuey is the early favourite to become West Coast’s next AFL skipper after Shannon Hurn stepped down from the role after five years in charge.
Hurn has been at the top of his game over the past two seasons, being named All-Australian vice-captain in each of those campaigns.
But the 32-year-old feels the time is right for a new leader to step forward, with the players and key football staff to work together to nominate a new captain.
Vice-captain Shuey is the early frontrunner.
Fellow vice-captain Josh Kennedy, 32, is at the tail-end of his career and unlikely to be given the captaincy reins.
Other members of the leadership group from last year who could vie for the role include Nic Naitanui, Andrew Gaff, and Jeremy McGovern.
But it is Shuey who looms as the most logical fit.
The 29-year-old has been touted as a future captain since early in his career, with his leadership well respected within the club.
Hurn could have become the club’s longest-serving captain had he continued in the role this year.
He currently sits third on the list with 123 games as skipper, behind only John Worsfold (138) and Darren Glass (129).
Hurn felt it was the right time to pass on the baton.
“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,” Hurn said.
“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 will still lead in the same way that I always have, I am committed to helping my teammates be better players and to build towards our next premiership. That doesn’t change.
“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.”
When Hurn first became captain ahead of the 2015 season, he proclaimed he wanted to become a premiership skipper.
He achieved that goal in 2018 when he led West Coast to a thrilling five-point grand final win over Collingwood.
His no-frills style has won him widespread plaudits, and he looms as a key cog in West Coast’s defence in 2020.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately good footy nicknames in the AFL are a rarity, local footy always has the best.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Of course man, I also ran around the block with it filled with champagne.
IAP
Guest
Shoe-y = boots. Get it? I know, lame.
IAP
Guest
Haha. Did you get your name engraved?
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Will be a premiership captain soon aswell.
Nico
Roar Rookie
Well Done Shuey! Great choice.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Shuey nickname
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Got four delivered yesterday, very nice on the mantle.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Yep. Everyone's a winner out west. Trophies for everyone!
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
"Great captains lead by example." You answer your own questions. Not a bad example on the field. He has had some pretty good seasons. Off the field he has been hosting players at his house for years. Some, like Alex Pearce, are now leaders at the club themselves. You might have blinked while these years were happening.
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
If you don't want him, send him across the road!
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
Great no-nonsense captain. Reminds me of that dog's player also from way back. Although that bloke never played any good in a big V jersey so he isn't an "immortal". Was a huge long accurate kick off half-back.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Gov is a massive leader, watch him on field he's directing set ups all the time, Yeo and Shuey are just as likely I just think gov is the man.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Who the faark is boots ?
IAP
Guest
What? I just want us Westies to stick together - our world revolves around us and it should stay that way.
Nico
Roar Rookie
Oscar Allen will be WCE captain in 5-6 years. Watch this space.
Nico
Roar Rookie
Fyfe is great.
Nico
Roar Rookie
Yess! Yeo all the way. (Love Guv and Boots, but... if not Boots (and it will be), then Yeo.)
Nico
Roar Rookie
Yeo. If not Shuey, then Yeo will warm seat nicely for Oscar Allen in 5-6 year’s time.
Nico
Roar Rookie
Guv? He’s not really a leader though. Would go Yeo before Guv.