Essendon Football Club is thrilled to announce All-Australian defender, Michael Hurley, has secured his long-term future at the Bombers after agreeing to a new five year contract extension.

The 26-year old’s new deal will see him run out in the red and black until the end of season 2022.

Hurley said he was looking forward to being reunited with his teammates.

“I took the time I needed to come to this decision, and to be honest I couldn’t see my future anywhere other than Essendon,” Hurley said.

“What became clear was my strong bond with the playing group, I have some really great mates at the Club, we’ve made a lot of progress and I want to achieve success alongside them.

“The Club has made significant changes, John has had a huge impact in a short period of time and I’m looking forward to playing under him next season and beyond.”

Chief Executive Officer, Xavier Campbell, said Hurley’s recommitment is a significant show of faith in the direction of the football Club.

“Michael is an extremely loyal person who loves his teammates, and we are extremely pleased he’s going to be a Bomber for the next five years,” Campbell said.

“We’ve always felt confident Michael would remain at the Club due to the positive discussions we had with him and his management, and I’m sure our members will be thrilled to see him ‘don the sash’ again in 2017.

“Michael feels confident in the direction of the Club, and is looking forward to resuming his career under John and working towards helping the Club achieve success.”

Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said Hurley’s return will help strengthen the team both on and off the field.

“We’ve got a really clear ambition for where we want to get to as a football Club, and I’m really pleased Michael wants to be a part of that shared vision,” Worsfold said.

“We all know the exceptional football talent Michael possesses. He’s a ruthless competitor, strong around the contest and will provide us with great versatility at both ends of the ground.

“Michael leads by example, shows genuine care for his teammates, and will play a pivotal role in upholding the elite standards that will help us achieve our goal of becoming a top side in the competition.”

List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said Hurley is about to enter a peak period in his career.

“Michael is a terrific young man, he’s an extremely important part of our future, and the most pleasing aspect is his new deal will see him remain a Bomber for life,” Dodoro said.

“Michael is an All-Australian defender, finished runner-up in last year’s Crichton Medal, and his competitive nature and ability to transition from defence to attack makes him such a valuable player to our back six, and team in general.”

Michael Hurley joins Brent Stanton, Tom Bellchambers, Dyson Heppell, David Myers, Cale Hooker, Travis Colyer and Heath Hocking as the eighth Bomber to recommit to the Club.

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