'Captain Simple' a key to Eagles' success

His comments may not be music to the ears of headline writers, but Eagles captain Shannon Hurn's simple approach is working wonders with his player group.

Shannon Hurn

West Coast captain Shannon Hurn likes to keep things simple for his team and it is working wonders. (AAP)

West Coast skipper Shannon Hurn should be given a new nickname - 'Captain Simple'.

The man known as 'Bunga' isn't one for buzz words or extravagant claims.

In fact, his press conferences often veer dangerously towards the snooze-fest category as he finds different ways to repeat his mantra of simplicity.

So why does the man with one of the biggest kicks in the game play such a straight bat?

The answer is simple - it's the basics that gets Hurn excited. And it's the basics that Hurn knows will get the job done.

As Hurn often says, it doesn't matter whether you are playing country footy or AFL the winner will be decided by which team does the basics the best.

It's a message he will be drilling into his player group ahead of Saturday's grand final against Collingwood at the MCG.

"Sometimes when you're playing, you tend to think the flashy things get you noticed and win you games," Hurn said.

"They are important but the majority of the game is always played around stoppages, good tackling, knocking the ball on and getting the ball to your teammate in a better position.

"So if you can do those things well that's what makes you a consistent player and a consistent team."

Hurn's simple messages have resonated with his teammates and it could be rewarded with premiership glory.

His calming influence helps take pressure off players who otherwise might think they need to do something special in games.

"What wins you finals and grand finals is doing the basics well, and that's what we'll be talking about," Hurn said.

"We don't expect players to go out there and go 'I've got to kick five goals or get 30 touches'. It will be about going out and doing their bit.

"Someone might have a good day and someone might be a bit under what they'd like to do. The important thing is they're doing what the team wants."

When Hurn was first appointed skipper at the end of 2014, he was asked what sort of captain he wanted to be.

"Hopefully a premiership one," he replied.

It remains his most extravagant comment to date.

When reminded of that remark this week - and the potential to achieve his goal on Saturday - Hurn was quick to play it down.

"It's just another good opportunity," Hurn said.

"All players would love to be a premiership player. But if we want to focus on that you tend to miss the things you need to do during the week and during the game."

West Coast boast plenty of X-factors with the likes of Liam Ryan and Willie Rioli able to produce the spectacular.

But if the Eagles end up winning their fourth flag this Saturday, you can bet your bottom dollar Hurn will be using his post-match press conference to praise his side's ability to do the basics right.


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Source: AAP


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