Emerging key position player Michael Hurley delivered on potential last weekend, producing a star performance against the Bulldogs in just his third game of AFL football.

The 19-year-old was named among the Bombers' best after spending most of the night in defence before being moved to the forward line in the last quarter to be a tall marking option.

Fifteen disposals and one goal for the match summed up a comprehensive Round 16 performance but the former Northern Knights and Victorian U/18 player believes he has a long way to go to establish himself as an important player for the Bombers.

“I think in a few years there could be an opportunity to move forward and establish a role up there but I am happy to play in the backline and, in the end, the decision is up to the coaches.”

The 193cm Victorian has had a tough introduction to AFL football, being handed the responsibility of negating some of the league’s more dominating forwards including Sydney’s Michael O’Loughlin and Port Adelaide’s Warren Tredrea.

“I have had a couple of tough opponents,” Hurley said.

“It is a lot more intense than VFL football which I have really felt a couple of times over the past couple of weeks when I have been caught holding the ball.

“I have been a bit slow at times but it is really up-tempo and I am really enjoying it but I still have a long way to go to get used to it.”

Settling into the routine of an elite footballer is often a daunting experience for young players but Hurley admits the transition has been made easier with the support of his teammates.

“It has been really good to settle into life at the club,” he said.

“I knew a few of the players before I got to the club - I played with Michael Still and David Zaharakis growing up and Brent Stanton and Ricky Dyson grew up out my way as well.

“Every day you feel lucky to come into the club and sit in the locker room and see guys like Mark McVeigh to my left and Lloydy to my right. I am really enjoying it.”