Get knocked down, get back up again.

That was 2019 in a nutshell for Michael Hurley, who twice overcame shoulder injuries to miss just four games in another outstanding season.

The rock in an Essendon defence that conceded the least points (66.1) in the competition from rounds four to 13, Hurley was arguably in career-best form before suffering a high-grade AC joint injury in the round 17 win over North Melbourne.

The injury required surgery and looked like ending his season, but Hurley remarkably returned just five weeks later, starring in the Bombers’ finals-clinching win over the Dockers at Optus Stadium.

Just a week later, he suffered a nasty injury to his other shoulder that would require a reconstruction post-season.

But in a testament to his bravery, Hurley opted to put surgery on hold and push through the pain, taking his place in the elimination final loss to West Coast.

While he was hampered in the latter stages of 2019, the 29-year-old produced another stellar season, setting a new career-high average for marks (eight) and taking 20 contested marks – his highest tally since 2011 (23).

KEY STATS

Games: 19

Goals: 0

Average disposals: 19.3

Average marks: 8

Average rebound 50s: 6.6

Average metres gained: 334.5

BEST PERFORMANCE

Hurley was the linchpin in defence in the 19-point win over Hawthorn in round 13.

Gathering 26 disposals and leading all comers for marks (12) and rebound 50s (nine), his ability to set up the back six was telling as the Bombers conceded five more inside 50s but allowed the Hawks just seven marks inside 50.

Hurley's performance was rewarded with two Brownlow votes.


Hurley collects one of his 26 disposals against the Hawks. (Photo: AFL Photos)

2020 VISION

Hurley isn't expected to train fully until after Christmas, having undergone a shoulder reconstruction earlier this month.

That shouldn't pose too many problems for the dual All Australian, however, who's had to navigate interrupted pre-seasons for almost all of his career.

Turning 30 in June next year, Hurley remains a vital member of Essendon's back six and is showing no signs of slowing down.

And if he can play another 21 games in 2020, he'll join the Bombers' 200 club.