Hurley announces retirement

ESSENDON’S Michael Hurley has announced his retirement.

The 32-year-old has called time on his career after 14 years with the Bombers.

Hurley will played his first game since round 18, 2020, which will be the 194th and final appearance of his career, against Richmond at the MCG last Saturday night.

The 2008 draftee has worked his way back from a debilitating hip injury to receive what promises to be an emotional swan song.

“Over my time, the club has meant so much to me,” Hurley said via a club statement.

“The decision has crept up a little bit, and at the start of the year, I really wanted to get back out there and play footy again.

“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.

“What keeps coming to mind is the relationships I have built here. I’ve been here since 2008 and while I probably haven’t experienced a lot of on-field success, and not everyone in AFL can have that, a different success to me is meeting special people and people from this club I’ll have in my life forever.

“While it’s hard to name everyone individually, I’d also like to thank the admin staff, the property staff and particularly the medical staff, for patching me up for the last 14 years.

“The most important people at the club to me is my teammates. 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.

“Finally, to my wife Chelsea, my immediate family and particularly my parents – I thank you all for your love and support. I started playing footy because of my brothers. To my Mum and Dad, our family has been through a lot and I’m just so proud to have you as my parents. I couldn’t have done it without you and I’ll be forever indebted to you all.”

Hurley will finish up as a two-time all-Australian (2015 and 2017) defender who started his career as a forward.

– BY ANDREW SLEVISON/ SEN