Retiring West Coast defender Shannon Hurn has named the toughest opponents he faced throughout his career.
The 2018 premiership captain was versatile in that he could play on talls, mediums and smalls, making his list a little bit different to most defenders before him.
Hurn, who announced his retirement earlier this week, never really played on fellow retiree Lance Franklin but saw first-hand what he was capable of.
However, the trickiest players he played on were of a somewhat smaller stature and both played for Geelong (as well as Gold Coast and GWS).
“There’s been plenty,” was his response when asked about his toughest opponents by Dwayne Russell on SEN.
“Not that I necessarily get to play on them or match up on them, which is great, but being able to see Lance Franklin. Every now and then you try to play on him, he’s just got so much ability.
“Gary Ablett Junior when I was younger. Steven Johnson as well. He was brilliant and smart and had all the skills and tools.
“They were the main ones that stick out to myself.”
Hurn admits he started playing for the Eagles in an era in which there was no shortage of quality forwards.
That extended into his career proper where he had the pleasure of at times manning the likes of Jack Riewoldt and Tom Hawkins.
“Every year there are great forwards getting around,” he added.
“When I was younger there was Matthew Richardson still playing, Matthew Pavlich, Jonathan Brown, Nick Riewoldt and many more. They were just amazing players.
“Even now there’s Jack Riewoldt, Tommy Hawkins, just fantastic forwards. You get to see them go about their work.
“The toughest opponents are the ones that have all the tricks. They’re good in the air, they can lead, they’re good at ground level and I’ve been able to play on a few of those players.”
Hurn will not play against Essendon this weekend, preferring to remain in Perth to prepare his final two home games against Fremantle in the Derby in Round 22 and his final AFL game against Adelaide at Optus Stadium in Round 24.
The two-time All-Australian is the only Eagle to reach the 300-game milestone and will likely end his career on a club record 334 matches.
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