West Coast veteran Shannon Hurn has called time on his career, announcing his retirement at the end of this season on Tuesday as the Eagles' record games holder.
Hurn, who joined the Western Australian club through the 2005 National Draft, would make his debut the following season against Brisbane in Round 5 but would not feature in their grand final win later that year.
The Angaston native would go on to captain the club in 2015 and would become the Eagles' next and most recent premiership skipper, leading West Coast to the flag in 2018. Hurn would go on to collect his first of two successive All-Australian selections that same season.
The 35-year-old handed the captaincy over to Luke Shuey after five years, but would remain an integral part of West Coast's defence.
Hurn would break the club record for games played in the royal blue and gold in 2021, surpassing club great Dean Cox before going on to add a further 41 matches in the top flight.
Speaking on his decision to hang up the boots, Hurn said it was a privilege to lead his beloved club.
“I love playing the game and I know I'm really going to miss it,” Hurn said in a club announcement.
“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.”
Hurn intends to play the final two homes of West Coast's 2023 season, coming against Fremantle and Adelaide in Rounds 22 and 24 respectively.