HURLEY, Michael

Michael Hurley was selected in the All-Australian Under 18 Teams in 2007 and 2008, and was drafted at selection 5 in the 2008 AFL Draft. He was a champion junior footballer and made an immediate impression at Essendon, winning two Rising Star nominations in his first two years, but found it hard to settle into a permanent position.

He played his debut game against Port Adelaide in Round 1 of the 2009 season. In his first four seasons he played at both centre half-back and centre half-forward before consolidating himself in the defence. He hit top form in this position and, in 2015, although the team had a poor season, he finished second in the Crichton Medal and won All-Australian selection.

He was one of the Essendon players suspended for the 2016 season due to the 2012 supplements saga, but returned to form in 2017, again winning All-Australian selection.

Prior to the 2021 season he contracted a life-threatening hip infection and spent a considerable time in hospital and lost some 10 kg. It culminated in him having a hip replacement and learning to walk again. He missed the entire 2021 season and it was uncertain if he would ever play again.

However, he returned to the VFL team in 2022, playing five games before announcing his retirement. Much loved by team-mates and supporters, he was given a farewell AFL game against Richmond in Round 23, where to the delight of all, he kicked a goal in the dying minutes of the game. Even the Richmond players applauded, appreciating this fairytale ending to a stellar career.

He took on a Player Development role with the Club in 2023 and also returned to play with his old club, Macleod.

Michael Hurley’s overall career with Essendon was exemplary and he would be considered one of the best defenders to have represented the EFC.