Basics the key to every success, according to Hurn
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 he 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.
“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 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.
“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. “All players would love to be a premiership player,” he said.