News

Hurley on the improve

Friday, 13 January 2012
Callum Twomey for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Michael Hurley is making steady progress from his hamstring injury and should be available for the latter stages of the NAB Cup, according to Essendon captain Jobe Watson.

Hurley felt a tightening in his hamstring last week as the club returned to pre-season training and was pulled out of full training until February.

At Friday morning's session at Victoria Park Hurley stepped up his rehabilitation program, jogging in 100 metre intervals. He didn't wear strapping on the muscle and appeared untroubled.

Watson said it was likely the emerging 21-year-old would sit out the first round of the NAB Cup – which sees the Bombers fly to Perth to take on West Coast and Fremantle on February 19 – and instead ease his way into match practice.

"He tightened up in the speed testing we had when we first came back," Watson said.

"Being the player that he is, the position (he plays) and the importance that he has for the team, we made sure we didn't risk him.

"He'll progress with his running today and it's just getting him back into training.

"I wouldn't imagine he'll be playing early in the NAB Cup but like the rest of us he'll be there later in the NAB Cup."

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PLAYER PROFILE: Michael Hurley

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Yep, no need to take him to Perth. These games give the younger, inexperienced guys a chance to impress. Anyone with a niggle should be rested.

- Rob Carew (posted 13/01/2012 10:42:51 AM)

Rest up, Liz!

- Mark Adams (posted 13/01/2012 10:49:23 AM)

Hurls, make sure you feel right, do not risk it, glory will always wait.

- Graeme Coad (posted 13/01/2012 11:06:04 AM)

That's good because this bloke is going to be the best thing since sliced bread!!!

- Andrew Zito (posted 13/01/2012 11:18:26 AM)

Am I missing something here? A normal pulled hammy takes 21 days to get over. Hurley did this at the start of the week, we dont play our first Nab game till the 13th of Feb a month away and he wont play in that, me thinks it is more than just a hammy.

- Malcolm Milgate (posted 13/01/2012 11:31:02 AM)

Good to know that it's not serious, and that the club has a cautious approach, even though it isn't a major concern.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 13/01/2012 11:44:20 AM)

Agree with Rob, use the NAB cup to give Browne, Ross, Steinberg and Davis a chance as this is their second year.

- Thomas Faunce (posted 13/01/2012 12:27:25 PM)

Hurley looks amazing. I think he can be an elite plyer this year so extend his contract by 5 years lock him away now with a blank cheque and let him write his price!

- Leigh Robinson (posted 13/01/2012 12:51:27 PM)

I have an idea! While Hurls has some time to rest and relax how about popping a pen into his hand, slide a nice, juicy contract extension in front of him and get him to sign the thing! I will be heartbroken if we lose him at the end of this year!

- rick hynes (posted 13/01/2012 2:11:04 PM)

The NAB what? Jobe, Hurls, Fletch and Hille should sit out the NAB.

- anastasia Meek (posted 13/01/2012 5:09:28 PM)

As usual the spin "experiencing tightness" was just cover if he won't be available for "latter stages of the NAB Cup" it seems if you don't agree with what you read don't be surprised if you comments don't get posted

- Mark McLachlan (posted 13/01/2012 9:16:02 PM)

Hope that is right as he looks in awful pain in the photo. Fingers crossed that it is an old photo like normally.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 13/01/2012 10:39:39 PM)

The "spin" might be to put GWS off.. hoping so anyway, make all the injury prone/recovering players play in as many pre season games as possible, would rather have them "break down" in a practice match than in the real deal, play as you train

- Mark McLachlan (posted 14/01/2012 8:04:34 AM)

Thats not pain Alan,its just the reaction after Jimmy told him and Jobe and Courtney to have a shave. :-)Go Bombers

- Bill Carbis (posted 14/01/2012 11:42:14 AM)

A post-Christmas hammies story 'build-up' on Hurley's hammies to take the heat off the story 'build-up' on Kavanagh's hammies to take the heat off the story 'build-up' on Gumbleton's hammies... It obviously worked. Let's hope to see everyone's hammies in tip-top shape for the season.

- Kris Bayne (posted 14/01/2012 11:42:15 AM)

On fire Mr C. Spot on Mark Mc. No fitness like match fitness. Get them match hardened. Hurls and maybe Fletch to not make the trip, otherwise get them on the ground, especially Jobe.

- Brad Scarr (posted 15/01/2012 10:18:24 AM)

Methinks it's pre-season so yes, he has done a little bit of damage, but they just want him right for a full season instead of risking him in NAB Cup. Here's hoping the staff get all these boys right so they can forget about hammys on game day and set out to win.

- Justin Millard (posted 15/01/2012 2:42:20 PM)

Not as bad as back when that 1930's/'40's cheery chap Goebbels made it an art form Mark,and thankfully his "superior" record will never be broken.. Shame he never made it to the trials,just like his leader.. No risks.. like the idea.. no more chronic hammies/soft tissue probs... Go Bombers :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 15/01/2012 11:59:42 PM)

Mark Macca,you are 100% right,the first thing kids should be told is "you play as you train" it is the truest saying in footy. (apart from the one that says Coleman was the best ever)

- Bill Carbis (posted 16/01/2012 10:30:36 AM)

So you think that the club is telling porkies about Michael's hammies Mark?

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 16/01/2012 12:49:37 PM)

Porkies,Hammies, good one Gordon,it took a while but I get it now,ha ha ha. :-) Go dons

- Bill Carbis (posted 17/01/2012 4:15:22 PM)

Unfortunately no Gordon, just wishfull thinking, they might be under estimating the seriousness of the injury, hope they don't push the guys too hard to make them faster, fitter yes but they will never make em faster...

- Mark McLachlan (posted 18/01/2012 3:00:52 PM)