Key defender Michael Hurley says he is “honoured” to return to Essendon’s leadership group for the 2020 season.

Hurley has had multiple stints in the player-voted group across his 11 seasons at the club, first being elevated at the end of the 2011 season.

The two-time All Australian missed out on an official leadership role last year, but he took it in his stride and said gaining valuable experience earlier in his career has proven important for his development.

“It’s pretty exciting at the moment,” Hurley said on Tuesday.

“I haven’t really thought too much about last year, there were a mixture of emotions, but at the moment I’m just happy to be back selected into the leadership group and excited for the year ahead.

“I was fortunate enough to be put in as a younger player and I learnt a lot through my younger years.

“Criteria can change and the way the players vote can change a little bit, so I’ve been in and out, but I’m honoured to be back in the group and looking forward to the year.”

Zach Merrett, Joe Daniher and Orazio Fantasia were important members of the group last year but have not been reinstated for the 2020 season.

Merrett was the side’s vice-captain and led the side on five occasions in skipper Dyson Heppell’s absence in 2019 – and Hurley said this year will still provide the young gun with a great opportunity to continue to grow as a leader.

“You guys have seen him play; he’s the ultimate competitor, he’s a great team man and he may not be in the group this year, but going forward he is going to be a really strong leader for the club.

“I know he’s a very driven young player and obviously wants to be one of the top midfielders in the comp, which he’s getting close to at the moment.

“It’s just a good opportunity to reflect on your leadership style. I know last year I wasn’t in the group, but I think my leadership grew throughout the year.

“I saw things slightly differently and became a bit of a conduit for some of the players that weren’t in the leadership group and some of the younger players.”

Fellow experienced Bomber David Zaharakis and leading midfielders Devon Smith and Dylan Shiel have joined Hurley and Heppell to complete the 2020 group.

Smith became a Bomber ahead of a sensational 2018 season that culminated in Crichton Medal success as the side’s best and fairest player, while Shiel’s inaugural season in the red and black was equally impressive last year.

Hurley said there was no surprise in seeing the former Giants voted in by their peers given their immediate, positive effect on the squad.

“Those boys have really come in and made a massive impact,” he said.

“‘Dyl’ is the ultimate professional in the way he goes about it, he really leads from the front and he’s made a major impact in a short period.

“The way (Smith has) been training - he looks fit and he looks strong - you wouldn’t know that he’s had knee surgery last year.

“Hopefully he can have a big impact like he did a couple of years ago.”

Hurley underwent a post-season shoulder reconstruction last year, but current signs are positive as he pushes to return to full fitness. 

“I had the shoulder reco at the end of last season, but I’m coming along pretty well.

“I’ve been able to do most of the running, which is nice, and I’m building up my contact stuff now.”