Carlisle and Hurley. Forward or back? It is the debate that has taken place since Essendon’s win over Carlton last Friday night at the MCG.

The pair switched positions at half time of the match against the Blues to great effect with Hurley shutting down a dominant Jarrad Waite and Carlisle proving an important target up forward.

Hurley says he feels comfortable playing in defence but has enjoyed the challenge of playing as a forward in recent times.

“I answer it pretty similarly every time that I feel very comfortable down back and I love the challenge of playing on a man, trying to beat him and take him out of the game,” Hurley told The Hangar.

“The forward line now has become probably the hardest part on the ground to play on especially for the smaller type forwards having to get up and back then the pressure as well.”

“Centre half forward for me is a massive challenge and I am really enjoying that challenge and hopefully I can master it one day.”

Coach James Hird was impressed with Hurley’s performance as a forward even before he made the switch at half time.

“I actually thought Hurls was playing really well up forward with limited forward entries in the first half,” Hird said.

“Michael was actually getting a fair bit of the ball and looking dangerous but we just needed something to change and needed a bit of spark coming off our back line.”

“Michael’s ability to use the ball out of the back line and his kicking is just outstanding.”

Carlisle said he was pleased to do whatever was required in order to help the team get the four points each week.

“It is a good trick I think, if you are not going well down one end it is good to go up the other,” Carlisle said post match.

“I probably prefer down back but I am just happy that I did alright and got the win for the team.”

The in form defender provided a target up forward when he made the switch at half time before he flooded back in the final minutes to take the match saving mark.

“I had to do job, sit in front of Waite and help Mick (Hurley) out. The ball was kicked in and I thought I had to go and it felt good when I marked it and felt better when the siren went.”

The man with the final decision is comfortable with the versatility that both players present to the coaching staff on a week-by-week basis.

“I thought that he (Hurley) added something in the backline, stopped a couple of goals and then Carlisle up forward created well,” Hird said.

“It is a great luxury to have two guys that can switch between going back and forward and it creates another weapon for us.”