Senior coach Ben Rutten couldn't be prouder to announce the news defender Michael Hurley will return to football via the VFL this weekend.

After his career was nearly ended due to a life-threatening hip infection, Hurley’s return to competitive football was looking more like a longshot than a reality.

But after 666 days on the sideline, Hurley's journey to playing will hit a major milestone when he reps the red sash at VFL level.

“It is a great story for him, (his) perseverance and resilience," Rutten said.

"The way he has handled it and conducted himself internally and externally has been first class and he’s been a great role model for everyone.

“It will probably be a full game, but we will manage that in the appropriate way and it will be great to have him back out there.”

There will be no expectations placed on the 31-year-old in his return game.

Rutten said Hurley's achievement to return to the field will be the main focus, and a proper assessment of where the defender is at will follow.

“We have not really mapped out too much other than to keep ticking off the stages in his rehab, 'Hurls' has been really determined in getting back to playing footy, we don’t have much of a plan other than getting back and getting through this week,” Rutten said.

“It was looking pretty grim around his infection to get back and play AFL footy or any sort of footy was looking very unlikely. His clear vision and focus to get back and play some footy has been a driving force. He faced that real possibility that he might not get back but he is a pretty driven guy, I don’t think he ever thought of throwing in the towel in without giving it a shot.”

In other positive news deputy-vice captain Andrew McGrath has recommitted to Essendon for a further two years, remaining at the club until at least the end of 2024.

Rutten spoke highly of McGrath’s leadership and impact around the club.

“It's great for Andy and great for us," Rutten said.

"It is good to get him back playing as well we are hoping for a really consistent back end of the season, it has been a little interrupted the last month but having Andy sign on is fantastic. You know he is such an important leader of the footy club, he had a lot of positive influence over a lot of people.

“I think we had all our guys re-signed that we have been working towards which is always a good sign that players are happy and clear on where we are going as a footy club, they feel they are well supported and they are getting better. That’s why people want to stay. It is not about getting guys signed it is about creating an environment where people want to stay and they are getting better.”

Rutten also touched on out of contract captain Dyson Heppell and his role at the Bombers going forward , with the Dons senior coach stating he wants Heppell to stay at the club beyond this year.

“Absolutely we are talking with Dyson about what that looks like. That won’t be too far off,” Rutten said.

“There will be discussions at some point, when that happens I am not sure. That is something I want Dyson to be a part of.”

“He has been such an important leader for us and such an important member of our footy club.”

Essendon takes on the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium at 4.40pm AEST this Sunday.