Essendon's top pick in the 2008 NAB National Draft, Michael Hurley, admits to being 'shocked' when told he would make his AFL debut on Sunday against Port Adelaide.

""I got out of a team meeting on Tuesday and Knighta asked me to speak with him and he sat me down in his office and said 'congratulations you are playing on Sunday',"" Hurley said.

""He told me to play my natural game, I will be playing down back and he told me to back myself and not get too overawed by the situation.

""I was shocked because I didn't think I would play in Round 1 but I was also excited.""

The 19-year-old key position back man was taken by Essendon with pick No.5 overall and is seen as a likely replacement for veteran Dustin Fletcher.

""I am a bit nervous about playing but I am also excited to get into it,"" Hurley said.
 
""I've been at the club for awhile so I am used to being around the Essendon boys but when I see Tredrea and Westhoff and those boys I will be a bit nervous to play against them.

""Some of the senior guys have told me to relax and not let it worry me. They said do my normal preparation and guys like Paddy Ryder and Dustin Fletcher have been supportive.""

To watch Scott Camporeale discuss Hurley on Bomber.tv during the week click here

Hurley - who has never played at AAMI Stadium - said playing AFL is a life-long dream but he hadn't made any plans for a 2009 debut.

""I tried not to set any goals when it came to playing games this year because I just wanted a solid pre-season and, if I went well, things would look after themselves,"" he said.

""I let mum and dad know straight away (that I was selected) and they are excited to be heading over to Adelaide to have a look. They didn't give me any advice yet, it probably hasn't really sunk in yet for them or for me but I am sure we will discuss it as the day gets closer.

""A few good friends are also coming over and have been really supportive and they are excited too.""

In one of the more bizarre injury stories of the pre-season, Hurley had surgery on a non-functioning gall bladder last month and missed two weeks of training.

""I was in hospital about six weeks ago so I am really happy with my recovery and now I have a great opportunity this weekend,"" he said.

""The night beforeI went to hospital I was in bad pain but, since then, it’s been fine. I feel great, in fact two weeks after the operation I was back to normal and it didn't really make any difference to my preparation.""

To buy and 2009 'My Club' Essendon membership click here