PLAYERS have long memories.

Very long memories.

That is certainly the case with Essendon star Michael Hurley.

The dual All-Australian didn’t miss the opportunity to square up with Sydney premiership coach Paul Roos after comprehensively beating Sydney superstar Lance Franklin on Friday night.

Finals Week 1

The 28-year-old was a clear best on ground at Etihad Stadium, holding the four-time Coleman medallist to just seven touches and two goals, on a night where John Worsfold’s men kept their season alive.

Speaking to Fox Footy after Essendon moved level with 7th placed Melbourne on 10 wins, Hurley reminded Roos what he said earlier in the year.

“The first half of the season was pretty upsetting; that was when ‘Roosy’ said, ‘I couldn’t mind a baby in a pram’,” Hurley told Fox Footy after Essendon’s 43-point win.

“That was a hard one.

“To win a few games in the back half has been nice.”

Michael Hurley belts away a ball from Lance Franklin on Friday night. Source: AAP

Roos responded by saying that is the role he thought Hurley should always play, not as a loose man like he has played in the past.

“The role he played tonight is the role he should actually be playing,” Roos said.

“It’s a luxury having BJ [Brendon Goddard] and Hurley playing on no one.

“I think what he did tonight is show he’s the one that can play on those big key forwards.”

St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt said players don’t forget what is written or said about them in the media.

In fact, when the six-time Trevor Barker Award winner started at Fox Footy, he squared up with a few people in the building.

“Players have got long memories,” Riewoldt quipped.

“Even walking the corridors in here, I’ve had to settle a few scores; you don’t forget.

“A lot genuinely don’t (listen to the media), but then someone will say, ‘did you hear what so and so said about you?”

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