After jumping from 14th on the ladder in 2010 to eighth last season, the 21-year-old said he is confident the team's dramatic improvement in 2011 would provide a great foundation for future success.
""I'm really excited,"" Hurley told essendonfc.com.au.
""The way we showed we can develop so quickly last year and again this pre-season, it's been pretty amazing.""
Hurley has indicated he does not intend to discuss the status of his current contract publicly and said he would leave the negotiations to his manager and the club.
""I'm contracted to Essendon until the end of the season so I'll let you know if there's any news,"" he said.
But there are further promising signs for Bomber fans that he will choose Essendon, with Hurley, who is living at home with his parents in Melbourne's northern suburbs, keen to buy a property closer to the club.
""I actually was at an auction last weekend but wasn't lucky enough to get the house,"" he said.
""But I'm looking to buy and looking to move out, about halfway between the club and home, so I can keep in touch with friends from home as well as the family.""
Hurley's importance to the Bombers was obvious last December when the key position player was included in Essendon's leadership group after only three seasons and 47 games with the club.
He says he would like to be given higher honours at Essendon in coming years.
""Hopefully (that happens), I think everybody aspires to be a leader,"" he said.
""It was a pretty big shock to be included in the leadership group and an honour. It's good to be learning off the other boys.""
