Departing the game as one of the most universally loved and resilient players in Essendon’s modern-history, Michael Hurley this morning informed his teammates of his retirement from the AFL.

And, after beating the odds with a life-threatening hip infection in early 2021, Hurley will run out for the 194th and final time on Saturday night when the Bombers face the Tigers at the MCG, marking a remarkable comeback and a fitting farewell game for the club champion.

Drafted from the Northern Knights with pick No.5 in the 2008 AFL National Draft, Hurley made his debut in round one in his debut year against Port Adelaide.

He quickly endeared himself to the red and black faithful beginning his career as a power forward, but it was a shrewd move to the backline that saw Hurley blossom at the Bombers.

Earning two Rising Star nominations in 2009 and 2010, Hurley earned his first top three placing in the Crichton Medal in 2011 and was also selected in the 2012 AFLPA 22under22 team.

Hurley was named centre half-back in the AFL’s 2015 All-Australian side, and in the same year, placed second in the Bombers’ Crichton Medal count. Remarkably, after a year away from the game, Hurley went on to earn his second All-Australian blazer in 2017. Again, selected at centre half back he was ranked first in the competition for rebounds from the defensive 50 and third for intercepts.

Inducted as an Essendon Life Member in 2018, Hurley managed 19 and 14 games in seasons 2019 and 2020 respectively before a cruel injury sidelined Hurley for another full year of his AFL journey.

Hospitalised in early 2021 with a debilitating infection in his hip, Hurley had to learn to walk again and after being discharged, began his extensive rehabilitation process.

But, as resilient as ever, he vowed he would play AFL again. Extraordinarily, he will realise this dream on Saturday at the MCG.

Affectionately dubbed ‘Bear’ by his teammates for his caring nature, off the field, Hurley has been involved in various charitable initiatives throughout his AFL career, particularly the club’s charity partner in Challenge working with children and their families living with cancer, as well as his extensive work – and famous beard shave – for the MAD Foundation to raise funds and awareness for disabled and disadvantaged young people.

Hurley said while he still had the passion for the game, it was the right time to hang up the boots.

“Over my time, the club has meant so much to me. The decision has crept up a little bit, and at the start of the year, I really wanted to get back out there and play footy again. It was about the middle part of the year where I got close and in recent weeks, running out there and getting a kick again was just fantastic. Physically and mentally, I am feeling up for the challenge, but such a big operation and a big couple of years, and the uncertainty around whether physically I could still keep up with the rigours of AFL footy, it really set in that it was probably time to hang the boots up,” Hurley said.

“What keeps coming to mind is the relationships I have built here. I’ve been here since 2008 and while I probably haven’t experienced a lot of on-field success, and not everyone in AFL can have that, a different success to me is meeting special people and people from this club I’ll have in my life forever.

“While it’s hard to name everyone individually, I’d also like to thank the admin staff, the property staff and particularly the medical staff, for patching me up for the last 14 years.

“The most important people at the club to me is my teammates. You come into the club every day and when you’re younger, you don’t fully understand how lucky you are in this job. All you guys in the room hold a place in my heart and my past teammates too.

“Finally, to my wife Chelsea, my immediate family and particularly my parents – I thank you all for your love and support. I started playing footy because of my brothers. To my Mum and Dad, our family has been through a lot and I’m just so proud to have you as my parents. I couldn’t have done it without you and I’ll be forever indebted to you all.”

General Manager of Football Josh Mahoney said Hurley was held in the highest regard by his teammates and would be missed by everyone at Essendon.

“Put simply, Michael has been the ultimate clubman at the Essendon Football Club, and we are a better place for his contribution since he arrived in 2008,” Mahoney said.

“His selfless and caring approach has been at the forefront of how Michael has carried himself, day-in and day-out at the Club. While he was cruelled by various circumstances across his AFL journey, Michael was always an incredibly positive figure and wanted what was best for the football club.

“Quite remarkably in the weeks following his hip injury, at times it did not look like Michael would be able to run again, let alone train or play VFL so we’re delighted he’s able to line up with his teammates on Saturday. After an extensive training block in recent months, he’s been managing his way back through the VFL and building up his game time. He has now earned the opportunity to be named in our AFL side for Saturday’s game against Richmond at the MCG and we know our members and supporters will want to say goodbye to Michael too.

“On behalf of everyone at the Essendon Football Club, we wish Michael, wife Chelsea and their families all the very best for their journey ahead. They will always be part of the red and black family.”