Shannon Hurn retirement: West Coast Eagle’s sister Ashton praises ‘all-in’ approach of outgoing great

Two similar photos, with a similar pose, taken on draft day and retirement day.

In between, one of Shannon Hurn’s biggest influences watched him forge a ‘quite remarkable’ career.

Hurn’s sister Ashton was there to congratulate her big brother when his name was called out by West Coast in the 2005 draft, so it was only fitting she was on hand at Mineral Resources Park on Tuesday as the 332-gamer announced his intention to hang up the boots at season’s end.

At an emotional press conference, Hurn credited his sister for helping hone what would become one of the AFL’s most penetrating kicks when the pair were growing up on their family farm in Angaston in South Australia’s Barossa Valley.

“My sister used to be my kicking partner,” he said.

“So she’s got better as time’s gone on.

“On the farm, that was some of the best memories I’ve had – with her, just kicking the footy.

“If she dropped it, you’d always tell her to mark it and kick it back because you got sick of chasing after her.

“But she was brilliant and she’s been a great support for me.”

The younger Hurn, a politician who has risen to be a Member of the South Australian House of Assembly for the seat of Schubert, penned a fitting tribute to her brother alongside the picture of him donning the blue-and-gold jumper for the first time as an 18-year-old.

“Many will sum up his on-field performance, and it’s been quite remarkable - Premiership captain; over 330 AFL games; All-Australian; and finals footy,” she wrote on Facebook.

“None of it has happened by chance - he’s applied himself with dedication, given his best, worked hard, loves the game, always wanted to contribute to the team, and done all the little things that many people may think don’t matter, but in the long run they do.

“To me Shannon is the most grounded, humble, loyal person who has been ‘all in’ over his career. He’s the best brother and mate you could ask for and it was great to be there for his announcement today.

“Well done Shannon, we are just so extraordinarily proud of you, the way you have gone about it and always stayed true to yourself!”