Speaking on Best 22, assistant coach Gary O’Donnell could not speak highly enough of young defender Michael Hurley who returned to the side for last weekend’s match at the SCG.
Hurley played on the experienced Michael O’Loughlin which allowed the coaching staff the flexibility to use players like Tayte Pears at centre half back.
""Hurley played on Tredrea in his first game this year, and played on O’Loughlin last week,"" O'Donnell said.
“We see a long term player in him. He’s a confident kid, sometimes you need to have that proved to you.
“It was good to see him take the space, have a few bounces and run up the ground as well. It gives you a little bit more comfort in your footy.""
Kyle Reimers is another young player stepping up the ranks at Essendon and O’Donnell likened his game to that of Sydney superstar and Brownlow medallist, Paul Kelly.
“Reimers hit the pack a couple of times really split it open to take those marks, very Paul Kelly like. Paul was hard edged and hit packs like Kyle did last week,"" he said.
“It’s bit of a feather in his hat. He’s got a lot of strings in his bow, and we’re starting to see another one come out, he’s an integral player in our side.
“Spike and Watson got though (last week) well. Watson’s effort was pleasing, his ankle was dragging him. He was in a lot of clearances and got a lot of hard balls and will play against the Bulldogs this week.
""Winderlich has really matured this season, he’s got to the age where he’s getting to the peak of his game. He reads the ball well and has good pace. He’s been in good form and we’re hoping that he can get through the season.
""Scotty (Lucas) has done particularly well since his Bendigo stint. We're getting six or seven goals out of him and Lloyd each week, if we can then find another eight or ten from our mid-fielders and forwards, we'll go a long way to winning the game.
""Houli, Skipworth and Lovett-Murray are razor sharp right on the edge of being selected. Skippy had a little bit of a knee last week, he probably could have played, but we gave him a week off and let him get it right.
""Monfries we expect will be back for the Richmond game. Lovett-Murray has done nothing wrong in his time, it’s just where we’re at, there is a lot of pressure for selection.""
