Michael Hurley is a hot favourite for this year’s Crichton Medal and it’s for very good reason.

Now settled in a permanent position, Hurley was an opposition forward’s worst nightmare with his presence in the backline unsettling many of the elite forwards in the competition.

Aside from his great defensive efforts, the 25-year-old’s booming kick has not only proven valuable at rebounding from the defensive 50 (ranked 3^rd in the AFL) but also for sending goals soaring through from long range.

Hurley had a top ten finish in last year’s Crichton Medal coming in at 6^th place with 242 votes.

However, with an All-Australian selection looming, the forward turned defender is bound to be pushing higher at this year’s event.