Michael Hurley

Michael Hurley has announced he will retire at season's end, closing out his 14-year career with the Bombers.

Approaching the 2021 season, Hurley had been training as a key forward prior to becoming ill. He returned as one of the best-performed players in 2017. READ MORE:

Essendon veteran Michael Hurley is understood to have informed teammates of his decision to retire at season's end.

To my Mum and Dad, our family has been through a lot and I’m just so proud to have you as my parents. You come into the club every day and when you’re younger, you don’t fully understand how lucky you are in this job. All you guys in the room hold a place in my heart and my past teammates too. “What keeps coming to mind is the relationships I have built here. It was about the middle part of the year where I got close and in recent weeks, running out there and getting a kick again was just fantastic. Physically and mentally, I am feeling up for the challenge, but such a big operation and a big couple of years, and the uncertainty around whether physically I could still keep up with the rigours of AFL footy, it really set in that it was probably time to hang the boots up,” Hurley said, via the club's announcement.

Michael Hurley this morning informed his teammates of his retirement from AFL. By essendonfc.com.au - 4 hrs ago.

After an extensive training block in recent months, he’s been managing his way back through the VFL and building up his game time. While he was cruelled by various circumstances across his AFL journey, Michael was always an incredibly positive figure and wanted what was best for the football club. Physically and mentally, I am feeling up for the challenge, but such a big operation and a big couple of years, and the uncertainty around whether physically I could still keep up with the rigours of AFL footy, it really set in that it was probably time to hang the boots up,” Hurley said. To my Mum and Dad, our family has been through a lot and I’m just so proud to have you as my parents. It was about the middle part of the year where I got close and in recent weeks, running out there and getting a kick again was just fantastic. Remarkably, after a year away from the game, Hurley went on to earn his second All-Australian blazer in 2017.

Richmond's Daniel Rioli pens a five-year deal with the Tigers. Brett Ratten backs Saints' review. Check back throughout the day for further updates. Hurley bids ...

“Everyone will say he didn’t play many games and evaluate it through that and say it wasn’t a success but Dan’s had a huge success on others off the field. “If we can just take some small percentages off certain areas of the program, and change our process slightly in certain things, I think it will help our footy club. [Marnie Vinall](/by/marnie-vinall-p4ywdg)is a sports reporter for The Age.Connect via They’re holding up their part and we’ll make those decisions at the back end of the year.” Noble was sacked by North Melbourne after round 17 this year but remains highly regarded having spent time with the Brisbane Lions, Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs. It would be easy for people to just see him as a senior coach and forget he is a father, a husband and mate to all of us. “There were a handful of moments when I thought I wouldn’t get back,” Hurley said. “It means a hell of lot. “It’s a bit sad how he has had to wear this. Big man Tom DeKoning has been named on the extended bench after missing last game. But he will proudly don the red sash on Saturday and, hopefully, change to a coaching polo next season. He has come in, worn the media [attention] and always put the players first.