Essendon’s VFL squad has returned for pre-season training ahead of the 2024 season. 

After a busy off-season with a plethora of structural changes to the Bombers’ VFL program, Development Coach Michael Hurley is excited by the opportunities that lie ahead of the 2024 season.  

Wednesday night’s session saw the squad complete another two-kilometre time trial before hitting the track for a solid block of training, with Hurley impressed by the intent shown among the group.

“The VFL program has a really exciting feel to it at the moment with Blake Caracella taking over as Senior Coach, he’s been a fantastic acquisition for us in the role and taken to it like a duck to water,” Hurley said.  

“From speaking to (AFL Development Strength and Conditioning Coach) Jake Giannakis earlier, a big chunk of the boys ticked off a personal best and improved on their initial times in the two-kilometre, so it’s really exciting to see the growth and improvement in the group post-Christmas.”  

With a new-look VFL playing list set to be finalised over the coming weeks, the Bombers are relishing the chance to develop their young talent from a variety of footballing avenues.  

The Bombers have invested more resources into their community connections, providing high-level training opportunities with prospects from the Calder Cannons NGA, as well as the James Hird Academy. 

Paired with existing talent from last year’s squad and an emphasis on recruiting over the break, Hurley believes the mix within the group will generate a platform for improvement over the course of the year and beyond.

“In terms of the playing group there’s certainly a lot of new faces, but that’s just added to it to the feel of it all. Getting to know these new guys, seeing how they play and how they move has been really enjoyable so far,” Hurley said.  

“Ricky Monti is one that jumps out from this pre-season, he can float between inside mid and high forward roles. Solomon McKay has been on the list with us for a couple of years now, but he’s come back looking a lot bigger and stronger this pre-season, they’ve really catching the eye on the track.  

“We’ve got three of our NGA and James Hird Academy prospects currently training with the AFL squad, and that exposure will be massively important for those boys to see how elite-level footy looks and learn the speed of the game.  

“As younger players, they’re really enjoying that opportunity and for us to be able to facilitate it and get those eyes on developing our prospects has been an awesome opportunity.” 

The signings of former AFL players in Xavier O’Neill and Jackson Hately have also boosted leadership within the group, bringing invaluable experience from the highest level. 

For Hurley, the impact of the duo on team chemistry has been apparent from the outset. 

“It’s priceless to have these guys that have spent time on AFL lists coming back and playing at VFL level. They’ve obviously got the experience and they’re all really great people, you can see in the way that they’re leading the group,” Hurley said. 

“We’ve got a young list with a lot of fresh faces in the mix, so to have those senior boys come in and make an impact so early has been terrific.” 

Alterations to 2024’s coaching structure have also provided some important changes for Hurley as a Development Coach. 

Previously split in his duties between football and player welfare, Hurley’s role is now focused entirely on-field, allowing him to instil his 194 AFL games’ worth of knowledge on both the club’s AFL and VFL sides. 

“Last year I was focused on a balance of football and welfare in my role, whereas this year has a purer focus on footy. In stepping out of the welfare space I’ve been able to focus all my energy in the football area, which has been great,” Hurley said. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to put my fingerprint on the Jack Jones Academy (AFL first-to-third year players) as well as the VFL squad, so that’s been a really rewarding step for me.” 

The Bombers’ VFL and VFLW programs will head to Darwin alongside the Tiwi Bombers to take on representative sides from the NTFL at TIO Stadium on Wednesday, January 24.