Shannon Hurn: West Coast games record holder returns to Eagles in development coaching role

Premiership captain Shannon Hurn has returned to West Coast, with the club’s games record holder to take up a role as development coach of game fundamentals.

Hurn returns to the club after 12 months away from the game, having retired at the end of last year after 333 games.

The two-time All-Australian was canvassing roles back in the game and has decided to return to the Eagles, where he played 18 seasons after being drafted in 2005.

“I always had in the back of mind that I would take a year off and then make a decision about what I wanted to do,” Hurn said.

“I felt like coaching was the direction I wanted to take, but after 18 years in the AFL system I needed to take a step back to evaluate things.

“It’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting back into the club. Mainly to help the young kids, give them some tools about how to be successful at the AFL level, work out their strengths and where they can fit in the game.

“Just try to help them find their way in the first four to five years so they can hopefully set themselves up to have a great career.

“I have been fortunate enough to be around footy for a fair while. I have seen a few things, so it will be just nice to be able to pass that back to the player group and help them get back to being a successful footy club.

“Obviously the last few years haven’t been great and this is a good opportunity to be back in football and especially at West Coast.”

Eagles football boss Gavin Bell said he was thrilled to have Hurn back at the club.

“Shannon set elite standards as a player, evidenced by the fact that he played 333 senior games,” Bell said.

“He also boasts a strong football IQ and has a very relatable manner which will be important in this role.

“To have someone of his stature returning to the club, particularly with our list demographic, represents a wonderful opportunity for us.

“After the National Draft in November, we expect half our squad will under the age of 22 as we prepare for 2025, so developing that talent is critical in our progress.”

It comes as development coach Tom Morrison is set to finish up at the Eagles after two years, with defender Brady Hough thanking him for helping him improve his game.