Battered Hurn details AFL captaincy MO

West Coast's premiership captain Shannon Hurn, who suffered a nasty blow to the eye late in the AFL grand final, has detailed how he's changed as a leader.

Shannon Hurn of West Coast

Eagles coach Adam Simpson has highlighted Shannon Hurn's development as a leader this season. (AAP)

West Coast captain Shannon Hurn experienced some vision issues on Sunday morning but they had nothing to do with AFL premiership high jinks or a hangover.

Hurn's badly bruised and swollen left eye has closed over, a product of an errant elbow he copped during a marking contest in the thrilling fourth quarter of the grand final.

"It's blown up a bit today. Looks a bit s*** but that's OK," Hurn told AAP.

The shiner itself, the fact Hurn suffered it when the premiership was on the line and his succinct diagnosis are symbolic of the no-nonsense skipper.

The defender's role in the Eagles' fourth premiership, achieved with a five-point victory over Collingwood, has been largely understated outside the club.

Hurn wouldn't have it any other way.

But coach Adam Simpson, in his post-match media conference, was quick to highlight Hurn's development as a leader this season.

"He's grown into his own with his leadership ... he's grown to another level," Simpson said.

"He's probably relaxed a tiny bit."

Hurn, who helped marshal the Eagles' defence after they conceded the opening five goals on Saturday, opened up about the tweak in his approach to captaincy.

"The main thing I think you learn is you always think that things need to be done a certain way," the 31-year-old said.

"You realise that's not right. Footy isn't a perfect game and I think that sort of mindset has just helped over a period of time."

Hurn's first season in charge was 2015, when West Coast suffered a heavy loss to Hawthorn in the grand final.

"You get experiences. Every time you play a game you just get better and better. It's fantastic," the defender said when asked about the lessons learned from that heartbreaking defeat.

Hurn is yet to discuss dynasties with teammates or Simpson but the All-Australian backman has reinforced to the side what brought them to this summit.

"The mateship and the way we want to play footy for each other. That's probably really stood out this year and we had to do that yesterday," he said.

"Now it's just about enjoying what we're doing, being respectful and making sure we can come and have another opportunity to have another go next year."

Simpson was full of praise for Hurn.

"He's a man's man. He's the type of bloke you want to play under," Simpson said.

"The team reflects him ... what they stand for off field. The mateship and brotherhood they've got."


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Source: AAP


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