Retired #18: Michael Hurley 🐻 - Staying on in a coaching and player welfare role! - 3/10

[Lore]

Contract Status: Retired
Last Game Played: Currently in the side
Injury Status: Comes back from injury to play his final game for the club this weekend - 18/8

Spoiler

2022
He's back! Playing a half in the VFL this weekend - 15/7
Joins main training in the next couple of weeks! - 15/6
Had a calf setback, now running again - 28/4
Wants to play a half in the VFL in the next couple of weeks - 30/3
Joined main training? - 3/3
Ahead of schedule, doing some big running loads - 16/2
Progressing well, R1 'too soon' to return, no time frame - 11/1
On track for playing return around Round 6 - 12/3

2021
Ahead of schedule, running soon - 15/12
Hip replacement surgery - 10/10
Placed on the inactive list, will not play in 2021 - 31/5
Hopes to play the last 6 weeks of the season if not sooner - 26/4
At the club daily doing 1-2 hours of exercise for recovery - 23/3
On the mend - 19/3
Apparently using the hot/cold pools at the club, progress? - 5/3
Limping on crutches with an IV at the preseason game - 25/2
Discharged, recuperating at home... again. No time frame on return - 17/2
Apparently back in hospital - 15/2
Discharged from hospital, recuperating at home. No timeframe - 9/2
In hospital with an infected leg - 4/2

My Boy Draft 2022: Claim here

 

[TheGreatBarryB]

Take out the sentimental nature of wanting to see him pull the boots on again and there isn’t any good reason for wanting him to play on.

Well he could be quite good up forward

 

[TheGreatBarryB]

He hasn't played a minute this year but we've probably played our best football for the last 5 years without him.

That’s got nothing to do of why we’ve improved.

 

[Ambrosia]

Well he could be quite good up forward

He hasn’t been able to hold a mark in his hands for years and will likely be at least athletic/mobile.

He’s too smart of a footballer and hard at it not to have some impact but I doubt he excels.

 

[TheGreatBarryB]

He hasn’t been able to hold a mark in his hands for years and will likely be at least athletic/mobile.

He’s too smart of a footballer and hard at it not to have some impact but I doubt he excels.

That issue was years ago…last couple he was taking overhead marks again.

 

[Ambrosia]

That issue was years ago…last couple he was taking overhead marks again.

Still never see him take overhead marks coming at the ball. Backing back yeah but hard on a lead he exclusively goes for his chest. I could be wrong though

 

[RearNaked]

Can’t lose hooker and hurley in the same year

 

[kelvin_sheedy]

That’s got nothing to do of why we’ve improved.

No, but it does highlight to all the others that said we can't live without him, blah, blah, you don't get rid of x, y. Our defence will be decimated....all that jibber jabber.

He was on the wane for a long time. He's effectively been replaced by Stewart and Laverde. Don't think anyone would have that on their 2021 bingo... maybe a 2021 multi with the Taliban?

.. and his inability to move the ball on quickly or beat his opponent in a lot of aeriel duels was a problem, especially the holding on the ball too long and loopy kicks.

 

[TheGreatBarryB]

No, but it does highlight to all the others that said we can't live without him, blah, blah, you don't get rid of x, y. Our defence will be decimated....all that jibber jabber.

He was on the wane for a long time. He's effectively been replaced by Stewart and Laverde. Don't think anyone would have that on their 2021 bingo... maybe a 2021 multi with the Taliban?

.. and his inability to move the ball on quickly or beat his opponent in a lot of aeriel duels was a problem, especially the holding on the ball too long and loopy kicks.

Most of us knew as it was common news that they intended to play Hurley forward this season. Maybe you didn’t get the memo.

 

[DeezNuts]

Love Hurls but it’s probably best for everyone to call it time

He’s been through hell the past year, and in reality he’s probably not best 22 at this stage of his career even if he can get back to full fitness

Would be difficult for everyone involved if he continues next year to not get game time

 

[lenny2013]

I take it Hurls is contracted next year?

 

[eth-dog]

I take it Hurls is contracted next year?

Yep.

 

[Towno78]

Can’t lose hooker and hurley in the same year

We won't.
If he chooses to retire, we effectively lost him last year.

 

[The Donners]

Can’t lose hooker and hurley in the same year

Why not?

We lost Terry Daniher and Simon Madden in the same year.

 

[Towno78]

Why not?

We lost Terry Daniher and Simon Madden in the same year.

Are you saying, that if Hurley did retire, we'd win the premiership next year?

 

[Albertross]

Are you saying, that if Hurley did retire, we'd win the premiership next year?

If that's the price we pay, get it done (Dodo).

 

[The Donners]

Are you saying, that if Hurley did retire, we'd win the premiership next year?

…. and Watson will make a comeback!

 

[Vander18]

…. and Watson will make a comeback!

Stood next to Jobe at an auction a couple of months ago.....still has a rig that puts most of you (not me obviously) to shame. I think it's on....

 

[citizen-erased]

Stood next to Jobe at an auction a couple of months ago.....still has a rig that puts most of you (not me obviously) to shame. I think it's on....

brownlow in 2022 would be hilarious

 

[yodellinhank]

brownlow in 2022 would be hilarious

That'd be Tex Wanganeen's though, wouldn't it?

 

[TheFrenchCut]

Michael Hurley has committed to seeing out his contract at Essendon in 2022 despite needing more minor hip surgery in the off-season.

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[TheGrizz]

Thank goodness.

Dont think my heart would survive losing Hooker and Hurley in the same season.

 

[HirdyLannister]

Disappointed he isn't stepping away, our team has gone past him and doesn't add anything more than depth.

Only staying around for the contract

shame his career ended like this, the bear was good!

 

[Bjchan13]

Disappointed he isn't stepping away, our team has gone past him and doesn't add anything more than depth.

Only staying around for the contract

shame his career ended like this, the bear was good!

I think he will still add value as an experienced head around the group next year, even if he only plays a handful of games. He's not best 22 and most likely wouldn't have been this year but leadership around the club, at training, is still important.

 

[blitzer]

With both Ambrose and Hooker retiring I think Hurley could add something. Even if he gradually transitions into depth over the course of the year.
But if we get injuries to key position players he could certainly be handy and I think he's underrated in terms of what he offers from a leadership perspective.

Its not like we have a list full of over 30's or anything.

 

[TheGreatBarryB]

Lot to give still of course he has. It’s like Logan’s Run on here…reach 30 and whack!!