Promising key-position forward Michael Hurley will return from a club imposed three-game suspension to play for Essendon this Friday night against West Coast.

 

The 192cm young gun came into selection contention after a best-on-ground, four goal performance for the Bendigo Bombers on Saturday.
 

 

“It’s great to be back in the team and I can’t wait to run out for the Bombers on Friday night,” Hurley said exclusively to essendonfc.com.au today.

 

“I am very proud of being an Essendon player and I can’t wait to represent the club again.”

 

Hurley was suspended for all pre-season Cup and Challenge games and for the first three games of the 2010 season for a post-season incident.

 

He is also required to complete an alcohol counseling course and be involved in additional AFL community programming.
 

 

The 19-year-old said he is feeling fit and healthy and is desperate to make a contribution on the field.

 

“It will be good to get the chance to repay the faith the club has shown in me and hopefully we can get a win for our fans,” he said.

 

“It has been hard watching from the sidelines so hopefully I can come back and help the boys out.” 

 

Meanwhile, Ashley Hanson will be free to play for the Eagles.
 
The match day report laid against Hansen for striking North Melbourne’s Daniel Wells in Saturday’s match was assessed and the view of the panel was that Hansen’s arm was extended in a tackling motion, not a striking motion and that the force used was below that required to constitute a reportable offence. No further action was taken.