Shannon Hurn is usually pretty economical with his words.

Matter of fact, to the point, no fluff. It’s an approach that aligns perfectly with his on-field demeanour.

West Coast Eagles members and fans had plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the personality traits of the straight ahead defender. After 18 years and 333 games they have grown to know him.

As he uttered when approaching the whiteboard in the MCG changerooms after the 2018 Grand Final, “its about actions not words.” With that he removed the lid off a whiteboard marker and put a tick in a box sitting beside the word ‘flags’. That was the third and final box to get the tick of approval as it sat alongside, others bearing the words ‘family’ and ‘friends’ which had already been ticked. 

When he was feted at the Club Champion Awards in September he knew he would be on stage in front of a 700-strong audience. What he didn’t anticipate was that he would be up there three times.

Naturally he would be lauded upon his retirement for the wonderful contribution he had made to the football club. But he had not factored in the possibility that he would be front and centre twice more that evening.

Initially he was invited to the rostrum to accept the Chris Mainwaring Medal as best clubman, an honour that is based around an individual’s broader impact within the club with input from a range of different departments.

Just as Hurn never shirked an issue on the field, he never abrogated his responsibilities around club obligations. He was always at the forefront when it came to acknowledging the club’s legion of devoted fans, accepted that media commitments were part of the gig in elite sport and went the extra mile when it came to community engagement.

Having accepted the prestigious Mainwaring Medal, named in honour of dual premiership player Chris Mainwaring who was also a fan favourite, Hurn could have sat back and enjoyed a couple of beers with his family who were over from South Australia.

But he had barely got himself comfortable in his seat within the Crown Ballroom and he was up on his feet once again, bustling up to the stage.

The club acknowledges the top five in John Worsfold Medal reckoning by bringing them on stage and Hurn filled fifth position. A remarkable achievement given he played just 13 games, but recognition of the impact he had when he was able to take the field.

He finished behind Tim Kelly, Oscar Allen, Liam Duggan and Jayden Hunt and edged out emerging ruckman Bailey Williams to secure another top five finish – the seventh of his career which included finishing runner-up in 2009 and 2022.

“I love playing the game and I know I’m really going to miss it,” Hurn said. “But I also know the time is right. People have told me that I would know when this moment arrived and it’s here.

“Unfortunately, you can’t go on forever and it’s time for me to step away.

“It has been a great honour to play for this football club over the last 18 years and I have loved it since the day I arrived. There are life-long friendships and memories that have been created here and I will always be grateful for that.

“There are too many individuals to acknowledge, but I will get to as many of them as possible to thank them personally for the role they have played in my journey.

“Obviously all of my teammates, my two senior coaches – John Worsfold and Adam Simpson – as well as CEO Trevor Nisbett have all been significant. Naturally, my family has always been wonderfully supportive.

“I feel very lucky to have played for as long as I have, always wanting to contribute to the team, but ultimately the game does catch up with you - especially at 35.”

That Hurn was still able to contribute at such a high level in his 18th season was testimony to his resilience, dedication and diligence – both in how he prepared to play and how he recovered for the next battle.

The two-time all-Australian and 2018 premiership captain has left a lasting legacy. One that that those who follow would do well to replicate. To be as good as the retiring champion might be a stretch, but he allowed nothing to get in the way of elite standards.