Essendon AFL star Michael Hurley slams the Bombers admitting he is ‘envious’ of other AFL clubs

Essendon star torches his OWN TEAM admitting he is ‘envious’ of other AFL clubs amid the coaching fiasco plaguing Windy Hill

  • Retired star Michael Hurley has called out for internal change at the Bombers
  • The 32-year-old kicked a goal in the final game of his AFL career
  • Hurley says Essendon must provide stability for their young stars, which lacked during his early career

Essendon star Michael Hurley has retired from the AFL with a bang and one final boot – pleading his Bombers to be more like other clubs after slotting the last goal in their Tigers defeat.

Hurley returned to the field after a lengthy two-year limbo, where he grappled with a serious hip infection that saw the defender lose 10kgs before replacement surgery.

The 194-game one club legend slotted a drop punt goal in the closing two minutes against Richmond on Saturday night, as both sides embraced the veteran in his final hoorah. 

Hurley celebrates with teammates after slotting the final goal in Essendon’s Saturday night match against the Tigers – the last goal of his 194-game career

While calling his retirement on Thursday, Hurley urged Essendon to reshape the club environment in order to better develop their young stars. 

‘Throughout my 14 years I looked at other clubs that were quite stable and seemed to never have things go wrong and be smooth sailing, I sort of got envious of that,’ the 32-year-old told AFL Nation on commentary. 

‘I look at the young group of guys we have at the moment, I just really hope the footy club can provide them that sort of environment and they get the opportunity to go to a footy club that’s settled and stable and give them every chance to succeed on the field.’

Hurley said his heart-warming goal was worth the long road to recovery for one last game.

‘I actually got a little bit emotional, to be honest … my teammates came over and that was pretty special, but that show of respect from ‘Cotch’ (Trent Cotchin) and ‘Dimma’ (Damien Hardwick) and the Richmond boys was something I’ll remember forever.’

Bombers under-pressure coach Ben Rutten speaks to the media after a tumultuous week at Essendon headquarters

Bombers under-pressure coach Ben Rutten speaks to the media after a tumultuous week at Essendon headquarters

Unfortunately, Essendon’s week wasn’t about their 14-year one-club man.

David Barham took over from Paul Brasher as the club’s president during talks of showing Ben Rutten the door to make way for legend Alastair Clarkson – who has since signed with North Melbourne. 

Barham didn’t involve Rutten in club discussions regarding plans to acquire Clarkson, saying Essendon took too long to race after the Hawthorn coaching legend.

Chief Executive Xavier Campbell also has his position up in the air, seeing his ties to Rutten as a ‘package’ like deal.

Hurley said he hopes the youngsters within the club can experience the stability he never received throughout his early days. 

Hurley is seen on crutches, recovering from a serious hip infection that almost ended the defenders career

Hurley is seen on crutches, recovering from a serious hip infection that almost ended the defenders career

Making his debut in 2009, Hurley found a purple patch of form throughout the middle of his career in 2015 and 2017, selected in the All-Australian team on both occasions. 

It was in 2015 that Hurley entertained the idea of moving to rival clubs during the infamous Essendon drug scandal. 

Michael Hurley speaks to Channel nine during his 2016 drug scandal ban, that rocked the star at the peak of his powers

Michael Hurley speaks to Channel nine during his 2016 drug scandal ban, that rocked the star at the peak of his powers

Covered in a head of hair, Hurley addressed the media a year after the scandal during his ban, breaking down about how he struggled with telling his parents.

Hurley was arguably in career best form at the time of his 2016 whole season ban.

He finishes his stop-start tenure with 109 goals, two rising star nominations (2009-10) and few top three finishes for the Crichton medal.  

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk