The Best of Michael Hurley

What can we say about Michael Hurley? Drafted to Essendon in 2008 as a key defender, he spent the majority of his early seasons as a key forward, with his marking and goal-scoring ability (particularly from long range) delighting Bombers fans again and again.
From the 2014 season he was moved into his original defensive position and this is arguably where he shone brightest, earning All-Australian selection in 2015 and 2017, and becoming one of the big defensive forces in the league, regularly nullifying the impact of the Franklins, Riewoldts and Kennedys of the AFL. He was very unlucky not to win at least one best & fairest in that period.
The man affectionately known as the ‘Bear’ was a true warrior for the Essendon Football Club during some dark times, and sadly he enjoyed very little team success. He missed all of 2016 as part of the doping sanctions, and essentially didn’t feature during his final two league seasons following on from a horrific leg infection prior to 2021. Tragically this all combined to rob him of the chance to reach 200 games.
But like the warrior he was, he was able to get himself up for one final farewell game against Richmond in his 194th match, kicking a goal with his final kick in footy. Hurls was always a fan favourite and will always remain so, and this package is a tribute to his wonderful career. Thanks for the memories, Bear. You will be missed!
(Thanks again to my brother for his awesome intro design!)

[@jordancole9374]

My favourite player his whole career. There are some player that when they get the ball you just have total faith their going to do something productive with it. Hurley was just absolutely dependable every. damn. time.

[@4kttrollgoat38]

One of my favourite ever players 😢

[@darrenkoglin3423]

MICHAEL HURLEY EXTREMLY UNDERRATED FORWARD&DEFENDER WHAT A CHAMP HE WAS &IS ,ENJOY YOUR RETIREMENT MH ALL THE BEST FROM A PASSIONATE DONS LOVER

[@smallships]

Thanks for putting together these highlights. One of the greats!

[@tonycoz2309]

Thanks Michael.

[@jonbaxter743]

Thanks so much for this…you forget sometimes how good he was.

[@kyalking1313]

I miss when they had the big sash and the red shorts I loved that!

[@lukejohnston7785]

Going to be sorely missed. Love your big fella

[@stretch668]

i know paddy ryder hasnt played for us for years, but since hes retiring, can you make a highlights video from his bombers time?

[@nw15394]

It is easy to forget how great he was. Lovely to see him towelling up Buddy too!

[@mus31]

Wat a career! Will miss u hurls

[@brentmay6437]

We love ya BEAR!!!!

[@SonyCamry]

Nice

[@stevelozevski8151]

Thanks for everything Hurls

[@alexanderblacklow23]

Absolute legend. Such a shame about his long term injury.

[@keithbagshaw3146]

He loved a Goal!!!!

[@PapaDante]

If anyone deserved success it was this man! Thanks Bear!

[@robynrye5497]

After the recent losses and the fiasco concerning Rutten, this video of a true champion bought a smile to my face. Thanks to whoever put this clip together.

[@dw29392]

Thank you for your kind words Robyn!