3 minute read

West Coast's humiliating 97-point loss to Geelong has raised questions about their young leaders, but Shannon Hurn is confident of what the club possesses.

Record breaker Shannon Hurn doesn't feel like there's a second-tier leadership void at West Coast despite last week's horror 97-point loss to Geelong.

The Cats piled on 10.1 to 0.1 during a devastating second quarter in what became a dark day for the Eagles.

West Coast boast a strong leadership group that have carried the club to six straight finals appearances and the 2018 flag.

But the leadership qualities of the group underneath that have come under question following the lack of fight against Geelong.

Captain Luke Shuey (hamstring), Hurn (calf), Josh Kennedy (ankle), and Elliot Yeo (osteitis pubis) were all missing from that game, while stand-in skipper Jeremy McGovern suffered a match-ending groin injury in the second term.

West Coast's younger players failed to stand up when it was needed.

Hurn, who will return for Sunday's western derby against Fremantle, believes there is enough leadership in the group below the senior players.

"I certainly think we have some leadership there on both ends," Hurn said.

"Without naming names, we have blokes through the forward line, midfield, and backline that understand what's going on.

"We just probably didn't go outside ourselves to help out our whole group (in the loss to Geelong).

"A 100-point loss is pretty ordinary, and when you lose by that much it always looks like you're slow and unfit, because you're always chasing.

"One of the things I always talk to the player group about is every week you need to bring the effort. It doesn't mean you'll win, but it gives you the best opportunity to perform."

Hurn will set a new games record at West Coast when he runs out for game No.291 this Sunday.

He surpasses premiership ruckman Dean Cox (290 games), and also extends the gap over greats Glenn Jakovich (276) and Darren Glass (270).

"I'm quite honoured for the achievement," Hurn said.

"I've been part of such a great cub, I feel lucky to be a part of it.

"Coxy, Glenn Jakovich, and Darren Glass have been great players at the club and I've learnt a lot from them.

"I've been getting a few calls and texts, which I'm really appreciative of."