PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - JUNE 13: Luke Shuey and Shannon Hurn of the Eagles lead out the race at the break during the round 11 AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Essendon Bombers at Domain Stadium on June 13, 2015 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The West Coast Eagles have named their leadership group for 2017 and as expected former Hawthorn star and four-time premiership player, Sam Mitchell has been voted into the team.

Defender Shannon Hurn retains his place as captain and will lead the club for a third successive season.

Midfielder Luke Shuey has been been promoted to vice-captain and he will share the role with forward Josh Kennedy.

Matt Priddis, Jeremy McGovern, Andrew Gaff and Sam Mitchell round out the leadership group.

“Initially the players voted and having the support of their peers is an important element for the leadership group,” coach Adam Simpson said.

“The club is in a fortunate position to have high quality people to lead the squad and we believe there is a blend of skills within our leaders.

“Shannon Hurn has been a terrific leader since his appointment as captain three years ago and he has great respect from his teammates. Over the last couple of years Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff and Jeremy McGovern have certainly grown within the group and it has been reflected in the player vote.

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: Sam Mitchell of the Hawks handballs during the 2016 AFL NAB Challenge match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Carlton Blues at Aurora Stadium on February 18, 2016 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“Clearly Josh Kennedy and Matt Priddis have been outstanding leaders for a long time and to have someone of Sam Mitchell’s calibre at our disposal will be invaluable.”