Essendon's first pick in the 2008 NAB National Draft (pick No.5 overall) Michael Hurley will make his long awaited return to football this weekend when he lines up with Bendigo in the VFL.

 

The 19-year-old key postion prospect suffered bone damage in his wrist six weeks ago when he was right on the verge of an AFL recall.

 

He has played one game for Essendon - Round 1 against Port Adelaide - and Bendigo coach Adrian Hickmott said he is a big 'in' for the Round 11 clash with the Frankston Dolphins.

 

""He was in excellent form for Bendigo before his injury and he is a quality young player - I think all Bendigo and Essendon fans will be excited to see him back playing footy,"" he said. 

 

Both sides are yet to notch up a win for the 2009 season but Hickmott feels the split round break has been good for his young side, many of which went back to their local clubs to play with their mates.

 

The Ten/Twelve rule will see Christian Bock, Tom German and Michael Quinn playing in the reserves team this week.

 

“Frankston and Port Melbourne are not affiliated with an AFL team, therefore other clubs are only allowed to play twelve AFL listed players and ten VFL listed players to keep it even.

 

“We’ve got some experienced guys coming back from playing league football including Houli, Bellchambers, Zaharakis and Neagle who have all played plenty of senior footy and they’ll be a great asset for our side. I expect leadership from those guys. 

 

""Darren Hulme comes back into the side for his first game for the year after acting as assistant coach, so his leadership qualities are going to be enormous for our side. 

 

“Our main job is to make sure we use the ball and play fast football, we want to play on at all times and take on the opposition.  We don’t think that we’re quite up to the standard of hanging onto the football for too long; we turn it over a little bit.  We’ll take the game on and when there’s a mistake we’re not going to worry about it, we will just go back and clean it up and start again."" 

 

Despite Frankston being without a win, Hickmott will be keeping a close eye on several of the Frankston players who may be a threat to Bendigo. 

 

“Tori Dixon plays forward and is averaging two goals per game and he’s been in their best for the last nine weeks.  We’re going to watch him because when you’re in their best and averaging that many goals you’re going to be dangerous,"" he said.

 

""Michael Hibbard has been in a really flexible back role and sets up their players.  We might consider putting a young Chris Thompson from Bendigo up against a Dixon or a Hibbard. 

 

“Justin Berry is a goal kicker, and in real top form he kicks two or three goals a week and has been in their top three every week.  James Flaherty, Hurley or Tyson Slattery will probably match up with Berry, and Marcus Marigliani racks up the possessions, so he’ll be one to watch as well. 

 

“They haven’t got their tall ruck playing as far as I know, and we’ve moved Bock back to the reserves because of the 12/10 rule.  Jack Redpath will step up into the role of ruck for us. We think we’ve got an advantage there."" 

 

INS: Bellchambers, Zaharakis, Neagle, Williams, Hulme, Houli, Hurley.

 

OUTS: Stroobants, Bristow (sore calf).