West Coast have welcomed club great Shannon Hurn back into the fold just a year after he retired from the AFL.
The 33-year-old will rejoin the Eagles ahead of the 2025 pre-season as a development coach focusing on game fundamentals.
The announcement described the position as “an important role in fast-tracking” the team’s young list after three difficult seasons.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
“I always had in the back of mind that I would take a year off and then make a decision about what I wanted to do,” Hurn said.
“I felt like coaching was the direction I wanted to take, but after 18 years in the AFL system I needed to take a step back to evaluate things.
“It’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting back into the club. Mainly to help the young kids, give them some tools about how to be successful at the AFL level, work out their strengths and where they can fit in the game.
“Just try to help them find their way in the first four to five years so they can hopefully set themselves up to have a great career.
“I have been fortunate enough to be around footy for a fair while. I have seen a few things, so it will be just nice to be able to pass that back to the player group and help them get back to being a successful footy club.
“Obviously the last few years haven’t been great and this is a good opportunity to be back in football and especially at West Coast.”
Hurn’s appointment preempts West Coast appointing a new senior coach, with the final three candidates still being interviewed.
Hayden Skipworth, Andrew McQualter and Steven King are all in the mix for their first crack at a top job on a full-time basis.
King, who is recovering in hospital after a medical episode at Geelong training on Friday, and McQualter have previously served as caretakers at Gold Coast and Richmond respectively.
Whoever gets the Eagles posting will have Hurn on call to help lead the rebuild.
“Shannon set elite standards as a player, evidenced by the fact that he played 333 senior games,” West Coast football boss Gavin Bell said.
“He also boasts a strong football IQ and has a very relatable manner which will be important in this role.
“To have someone of his stature returning to the club, particularly with our list demographic, represents a wonderful opportunity for us.
“After the national draft in November, we expect half our squad will under the age of 22 as we prepare for 2025, so developing that talent is critical in our progress.”