News

Hird confident Hurley will remain at Bombers

Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Callum Twomey for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Essendon coach James Hird is confident star Michael Hurley will re-sign with the club, despite being likely to attract lucrative offers from Greater Western Sydney.

Hurley is out of contract at the end of this season, but Hird said the Bombers would not heap pressure on the 21-year-old to sign immediately, instead optimistic they would be able to secure the key forward's signature in time.

"I'm sure everyone is very hopeful that Michael will sign soon, but that's up to Michael, his manager and the club to sort out," Hird said.

"I don't think he wants any pressure from us but obviously we would love to have him signed as soon as possible. And I'm sure that will happen.

"I know his teammates are very confident he'll stay and speaking to Michael he's very keen to stay as well."

Hurley was put on a modified training program in January after experiencing tightness in his hamstring but returned to full training on Tuesday. He is on track to play in the NAB Cup, despite the slight setback.

"It went very well and we have no doubts Michael is up and ready to go, and as with a lot of our squad we’ve trained them hard at certain times and eased them back at different times," Hird said.

Hird said Essendon would use this month's NAB Cup to give each player two-and-a-half to three games of match practice before the home and away season started.

The Bombers fly to Perth on February 19 to take on Fremantle and West Coast, and Hird said there would be opportunities for the new players at the club. "We'll probably give all our recruits a game over in Perth," he said.

Speaking at the official commencement of construction on Essendon's new Melbourne Airport headquarters – itself carrying an aim to attract quality players from other clubs – Hird said the venue would provide a stable training base after spending this pre-season at a number of grounds.

The club is currently researching what will be included in the facility, with an indoor altitude centre being discussed. Essendon hopes to start its 2013 pre-season at the venue.

"We've got another 12 months before that facility is actually finished so we've got people researching what we need, and what's there for the future," Hird said.

"This facility will have the option of actually growing a lot bigger than that it is in its first iteration. We hope we're at the cutting edge of everything, not just altitude training."

Fans are welcome to contribute to the Flight Plan fundraising initiative for the new high performance facilities by clicking here.

PLAYER PROFILE: Michael Hurley

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I hope he stays, while hirdy says no pressure, I really don't think it constructive for the club to have the undoubted media hype, continuous article and speculation all year. Sign up Hurls, we love ya! You have joined the leadership group, LEAD by example and sign up, show your team mates your faith thatbwe are indeed flying up!

- George Choueiri (posted 1/02/2012 4:33:50 PM)

New centre sounds unreal. Would be so gutted if he leaves, if he does (Which you can't blame him if the $ are massive) the compensation would have to be better than what Melbourne got for scully. I'm still hurting from the wanganeen theft!!! Will have to wait and see. Hope GWS get smashed every game

- Gerard Smith (posted 1/02/2012 4:46:44 PM)

Good work Hurlz!! cause ur the change to make finals, u along with Hepz, n also Zaka,

- Wade Zimbolani (posted 1/02/2012 5:12:26 PM)

Less talk more getting pen to paper!

- Luke Ferguson (posted 1/02/2012 5:41:18 PM)

Hurls will resign straight after we destroy GWS like we did Gold Coast!

- Toryn Kasa (posted 1/02/2012 5:50:18 PM)

C,mon Hurls, we all luv ya!!! Please stay Mate!!! Go Bombers 2012!!!!!!

- Rolf Buchner (posted 1/02/2012 6:31:16 PM)

Please sign up Hurlster. We need you badly. You'll also have more chance of a Flag with us than GWS. Go Bombers!

- Damien Hale (posted 1/02/2012 8:08:42 PM)

Hurls will stay,just remember Essendon takes care of it's own. He will be well looked after during his career at the Bombers & after he retires.Look at Matty Lloyd & Hirdy,they could never leave the Bombers & are legends of our great club.Hurls will end up one of the greats at Essendon.Go you Mighty Bombers!!!!

- John Patrick Byrne (posted 1/02/2012 8:35:00 PM)

I am sure Hurls knows he is with the Greatest Club in AFL history. Very few have opportunity to be part of a great Team like the Bombers. You have started your journey in AFL with the Bombers and earnt respect Hurls, now keep that flag flying old mate. Go Inspirational Bombers

- Graeme Coad (posted 1/02/2012 9:22:58 PM)

As much as I want Hurley signed, sealed and delivered, I would also prefer that the negotiations be done correctly rather than quickly. I have faith in the club and Hird (as well as Hurley, who has handled the speculation well).

- Wesley Hull (posted 1/02/2012 9:45:46 PM)

Let the man have his time and space to decide. And, please, just to get it straight, we want him to 'RE-sign' not 'resign'. A little line makes a big difference.

- Kris Bayne (posted 1/02/2012 9:56:35 PM)

Wanganeen wanted to go home.Hurley is home.Scully also said he didnt think Melbourne were that professional as a club,with a few things that went on.Hurley was offered good money to go the the GC,he turned it down.He wanted to stay at the club then.The young players have such a great future together,you can see they already have a close bond.Scully's situation is different in so many ways,and I really believe that Hurley is a very loyal person.He will sign,in his own time.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 1/02/2012 11:07:06 PM)

There was a lot of thought behind how we saved the money for Hurley and I'm sure he'll appreciate that. Great to hear all the youngsters will be given a game in Perth. Particularly hoping Luke Davis and Ariel Steinberg can step up and justify selection for senior games

- Thomas Faunce (posted 1/02/2012 11:24:51 PM)

I will not except any excuses from the club if we lose Hurley.

- Ralph Lepore (posted 2/02/2012 8:54:55 AM)

Hurls, you're on your way to becoming an Essendon Legend - keep to the path, the hard work, and it's something you'll have forever.

- Ian Harrop (posted 2/02/2012 9:46:10 AM)

Yup. Requires a sensible approach Kris, Di and Wes, well put. Do not think we will except or 'expect' any excuses from the club Ralphy, but you tell em anyway tiger!

- Brad Scarr (posted 2/02/2012 10:44:05 AM)

Hurls won't let us down, he knows there are only two types of players, Essendon and those who wish they were.

- robyn erlandsen (posted 2/02/2012 12:45:48 PM)

Hurley - if he continues wearing the Red n Black, could become a champion of the EFC..... Times are different now - big money is the lure for all players, especially youngsters..... Possible future "top guns" are prime targets, just like Michael and I hope like all supporters that he stays at the club but things change..... In closing, remember that the club is bigger than the individual.....

- Victor Tallis (posted 2/02/2012 1:49:24 PM)

Gavin was given a MacDonald franchise to go home, if GWS make Michael an offer and EFC match it, it will set a huge precedent when our other future "guns" come to re signing, it will have absolutely nothing to do with loyalty/facilities or flags it will be a financial decision only, if he hasn't re signed b4 his contract runs out his "free agency" 8 year timeline will be broken, if he signs he would only sign for 4 years then he can go to the highest bidder, remember Ablett, Skully, Ward were all going to re sign,I think Michael will sign for 4 BIG years, he would be in a win, win situation

- Mark McLachlan (posted 2/02/2012 2:53:36 PM)

He looks a proud type of "stayer",so I have faith in the Club and Hurls to nut it out.. Don't get like bobby lebore,and do 180s and change names because the friend of the family passed on a dud rumour that MH was northward bound last time... boy was he put out that he was left out in thin air taking a long walk off a short precipice with that one... :-) Go You Mighty Bombers !!

- Noel Shields (posted 3/02/2012 12:07:24 AM)

mvp in afl

- Nathan Williams (posted 3/02/2012 12:28:34 AM)

nole (big big fella)you should have this proactive in your airport days. you make me laugh ps do you wear a cowboy hat at the footy?

- Ralph Lepore (posted 3/02/2012 2:26:56 PM)

Nicely explained, Mark McL. Players have things called 'managers' who get paid by the player to make the best decision/deal possible for their client. While loyalty, location, 'premiership windows' can be factors, we have to be aware that these blokes have a limited 'earning window', too. The superstars, which Hurley will be, have managers who are opening as many $$windows as possible. Clubs are after him, but you can bet EFC are after others. We should expect that. All that said, we have a good culture and that, I hope, counts.

- Kris Bayne (posted 3/02/2012 11:06:30 PM)

The choice is clear: stay at a powerhouse VFL/AFL club and help rebuild it with your mates or take years of uncertainty and disappointment at GWS. He might be nearly retired before GWS win a flag when he could have had a few flags at EFC. No amount of money can compensate for that. I think he’ll stay because he’s got a chance to be part of something great at EFC. Either way, I’m excited about where our club is going and for those who stay it’s going to be a fun ride!

- Sam Willis (posted 5/02/2012 12:28:56 PM)

What makes me laugh,is some of your 180s to make you seem like somebody else bobby.. and some of the names you come up with.. yes indeed,many laughs lebore...err karen t..err..dazz.. GO Bombers :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 6/02/2012 3:42:28 PM)

No 180's here nole. Just someone who says it the way it is ie no dribble.

- Ralph Lepore (posted 7/02/2012 10:24:31 AM)

Then because there weren't many opportunities taken to "say it the way it is",that must mean it was driblies time the rest of the time eh bobby..err lebore..err marg...err ray.b...err dazz..err kazz..err .. :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 13/02/2012 3:58:44 PM)