Defensive stalwart Shannon Hurn passed his Thursday fitness test and, barring a late mishap, will take the field for his record-breaking 291^st match in Sunday’s RAC Derby at Optus Stadium.

The three-time Glendinning-Allan medallist has recovered from a soleus strain suffered in round four against St Kilda, when he equalled club legend Dean Cox’s games record.

This weekend the 33-year-old will stand alone – ahead of greats including Cox, Glen Jakovich (276) and Darren Glass (270) - but, more than anything, Hurn is looking forward to running out with his teammates again.

“Trained today, got through, which is fine. Still got to get across the line. Quite honoured I think for the achievement just being part of such a great club, which is lucky to be a part of,” Hurn said.

“’Coxy’, Glen Jakovich, Darren Glass have been great players for the club and learnt a lot from them.

“So it’s nice, but I’m just looking forward to playing. I love playing footy.

“This week will be a bit more special with the extra game, but just looking forward to playing.”

A humble and down-to-earth character, Hurn sits comfortably alongside West Coast’s greats as the 2018 premiership skipper and a two-time All Australian. 

His values and selfless team-first attitude have served the big-kicking backman well throughout his career, and his loyalty to the blue and gold has never been questioned since he departed South Australia in 2005 to join the Eagles. 

“It’s always the way I was brought up a little bit, the way my sister and I were brought up back in Angaston on the farm from Mum and Dad,” Hurn said.

“It’s just about everything you do you do it to the best of your ability. You always try to respect people.

“I was just fortunate enough I was given a chance here at West Coast and it’s such a great club there was no need to think about being anywhere else.”

Few, if any, Eagles have been more diligent in their preparation than Hurn, who has led by example regardless whether he has had an official leadership title or not.

Becoming the first West Coast player to reach the 300-game landmark is in sight later this season, not that Hurn would be contemplating that achievement before it arrives.

“I think you need a little bit of luck in there (to enjoy longevity in the AFL), but it’s also the way you prepare,” he said.

“I’ve been very fortunate enough to do most pre-seasons, which I think gives yourself a really good base. You just need to keep evolving and adapting as well. Glassy did that, Coxy did that.

“All the players that have had longevity in the game I think can do that.

“The game changes and teams work you out, so you need to be able to do the basics well but also just slightly adapt along the way. Looking after yourself, recovery, always learning is probably the main key.”

Hurn’s significant milestone aside, the Eagles will have good reason for motivation following the 97-point shellacking from Geelong.

Adam Simpson's men will face a Dockers line-up which has won three-straight and will be eager to break West Coast’s 10-game stranglehold on RAC Derby honours.

“Playing in a derby is always great. It wouldn’t matter what type of game it was, it’s a milestone I’d be happy to play anywhere or against anyone,” Hurn said.

“Yes, there’s a bit more hype from the outside, but I’m certainly looking forward to this weekend because we’ve always had some pretty good games against Fremantle.

“Yes, we’ve won 10 in a row but they’ve been playing more consistent than us at the moment, so we understand it’s going to be a tough game this week.”

Due to current quarantine requirements for people entering South Australia from the west Hurn is unsure whether his family will be there to celebrate his milestone, and the crowd size allowed at Optus Stadium also remains uncertain.

Regardless, it will be a memorable occasion in West Coast Eagles history. 

“However many people can get there will be great,” Hurn said.

“I think the West Coast supporters have always been fantastic for us as a club, the support that I’ve had but also a lot of players along the way has been great.”