Shannon Hurn Retirement: What Happened to Shannon Hurn? Is Shannon Hurn Retiring? Why is Shannon Hurn Retiring?
by Tamilchandran | Updated Aug 01, 2023
Who is Shannon Hurn?
Shannon Hurn is an Australian rules footballer who played for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). Born on September 4, 1987, in Angaston, South Australia, Hurn excelled in both cricket and football at the junior level. He initially had a rookie contract with the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) before being drafted by West Coast.
Hurn's AFL career began in 2006 when he made his debut for the West Coast Eagles. Throughout his time with the club, he played as a half-back flanker and became renowned for possessing one of the most penetrating kicks in the league. Over the course of his career, Hurn played more than 300 games for West Coast, making him a highly experienced and respected figure in the sport.
Notably, Shannon Hurn served as the captain of the West Coast Eagles for five seasons, showcasing his leadership qualities and dedication to the team. On August 1, 2023, he announced that he would retire at the end of the 2023 AFL season, marking the end of an illustrious career in Australian rules football. With a nickname "Bunga," Hurn leaves behind a legacy as a skilled defender and a key figure in the West Coast Eagles' success.
Full name
Shannon William Hurn
Nickname(s)
Bunga
Date of birth
September 4, 1987 (age 35)
Place of birth
Angaston, South Australia
Original team
Central District (SANFL)
Draft
13th overall, 2005 national draft (West Coast)
Height
187 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight
95 kg (209 lb)
Position(s)
Defender
Shannon Hurn Retirement
West Coast Eagles' premiership captain, Shannon Hurn, has announced his retirement at the end of the season, bringing an end to his illustrious 332-game AFL career. Hurn's decision to retire follows the footsteps of another former club captain, Jack Ziebell of North Melbourne, who also recently retired from the sport. Additionally, this announcement comes on the heels of the news that AFL legend Lance Franklin will not be playing in the 2024 season.
With Shannon Hurn's retirement, the AFL bids farewell to a player who has been an instrumental figure in West Coast's success over the years. His leadership as a former captain and his contributions on the field have left a lasting impact on the team and the league as a whole. As the current Eagles captain, Luke Shuey, grapples with a hamstring injury that might end his season prematurely, the team faces a significant decision in terms of leadership and on-field performance.
Shannon Hurn's retirement marks the end of an era in Australian rules football. His dedication, skills, and achievements have earned him a well-deserved place among the sport's greats, and he leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered and celebrated by fans and fellow players alike. As the AFL witnesses several prominent retirements, fans will look back on Hurn's career with admiration and gratitude for his remarkable contributions to the game.
What Happened to Shannon Hurn?
Shannon Hurn's decision to retire from AFL was primarily due to physical factors rather than any mental considerations. The West Coast Eagles' premiership captain realized halfway through the season that his body could no longer endure the demands of regular back-to-back matches.
After an illustrious career spanning 18 AFL seasons and a club-record 332 games, Hurn made the difficult choice to step away from the sport that he had been passionate about since he was a five-year-old playing with Angaston Football Club in South Australia. Despite his retirement, Hurn has always maintained a sense of joy and dedication to the game, and his love for football has remained a driving force throughout his career.
Throughout his 18 seasons in the AFL, Hurn's commitment and passion for the game were evident in his performances as a defender and leader on the field. However, he acknowledged that there comes a time when physical limitations become too pronounced, leading him to conclude that retirement was the right decision.
Is Shannon Hurn Retiring?
Shannon Hurn has announced his retirement from the AFL. The West Coast Eagles games record holder and premiership captain made the decision to step away from the game at the end of the 2023 season. Hurn, affectionately known as 'Bunga', has been an integral part of the West Coast Eagles, playing 332 AFL games and becoming the first player in the club's history to reach the 300-game milestone. His leadership as the club's premiership captain in 2018 has left a lasting impact on the team.
In his retirement announcement, Hurn expressed his love for playing the game and admitted that he would miss it. However, he also acknowledged that the time is right to move on from his playing career. The decision to retire was made halfway through the season when Hurn realized that his body could no longer handle the demands of regular back-to-back matches.
Despite stepping away from professional football, Shannon Hurn's contributions to the sport and his legacy as a skilled defender and leader on the field will be remembered and celebrated by fans and fellow players.
Why is Shannon Hurn Retiring?
Shannon Hurn is retiring from the AFL primarily due to physical reasons. Despite his strong mental and leadership capabilities, Hurn made the decision to retire midway through the 2023 season as his body could no longer withstand the demands of regular back-to-back matches. At the age of 35, Hurn's remarkable consistency and ability to remain a reliable contributor throughout his career have been notable.
Having been recruited from South Australia with pick No. 13 in the 2005 national draft, Hurn has grown into one of the most universally respected players in the game. He has achieved numerous accolades, finishing as the runner-up in the best and fairest in the previous year and earning All-Australian selections, including being named Vice-Captain in 2019.
Hurn's leadership as West Coast Eagles' captain from 2015 to 2019 has been commendable, guiding the team to a grand final berth in 2015 and being voted as the League's best captain by the AFL Players' Association in 2019.
Despite his strong form and achievements, Shannon Hurn acknowledges that time catches up with every player, and it's now the right moment for him to step away from the game. As he prepares to bid farewell to the AFL, Hurn leaves behind a legacy of dedication, skill, and leadership that will be remembered by football fans and respected throughout the sport.
Shannon Hurn Retirement - FAQs
Shannon Hurn announced his retirement on August 1, 2023.
Shannon Hurn has played 332 AFL games.
Shannon Hurn was the premiership captain of the West Coast Eagles in 2018.
Shannon Hurn is retiring due to physical reasons, as his body could no longer tolerate regular back-to-back matches.
Shannon Hurn is 35 years old at the time of his retirement from AFL.