The start of the 2017 season may be some months away but the thought of that first win has Michael Hurley excited.
The All-Australian defender will be able to return to the Club and being training soon.
He spoke to The Footy Show last night about his season on the sidelines and his decision to remain with the Bombers ‘for life’.
"The Essendon Football Club is going to be fine for a long time, it's a massive organisation that has done some great things in the past, but for me personally I'm going back to play footy with my friends and strive for some success with these guys,” Hurley said.
"We've been through a pretty average time for a few years now and to have success with these boys would mean a hell of a lot to me.
"I'm going back for my mates.
"That first win we get after all this, there'll be nothing better.
"I'm very excited.”
Hurely is among nine Bombers to recommit to the Club this season with the 26 year old’s new deal taking him through until at least 2022.
Jobe Watson is yet to declare his intentions for next season.
Hurley said he just wants his teammate to be happy.
"I think Jobe should do whatever Jobe wants to do,” Hurley said.
"He's copped the brunt of this, and I really feel for him.
"He's a sensational Captain, he's a great friend, he's just a wonderful family person.
"He had to wear a lot of things he shouldn't have had to deal with, and I just want Jobe to be happy.
"He looked worn out at times and he looked run down, and I just hope he can be reinvigorated with his life and just have some fun and do whatever Jobe wants to do."
Hurley said he didn’t blame former Coach James Hird and was keen to move on with his football career.
"I think everyone has had some pretty tough times in their life, and that probably wasn't the worst day of my life to be fair, but it was a pretty bad day,” he said.
"Especially straight after the verdict was handed down, I couldn't believe it.
"I just sat there and sort of cried a bit.
"I didn't really want to call Mum and Dad.
"It took over a large chunk of my career and my life.
"To be honest the more I speak about it the sadder it becomes, and I just want to move forward and move on with the next part of my career and the next part of my life.”
