Essendon defender Michael Hurley admits having the chance to play in finals in 2013 taken away from the team has provided an added incentive heading into the final month of the season.

The Bombers run home including matches against Richmond, Gold Coast, West Coast and Carlton is set to shape if they take part in September action this season.

Hurley said the team was excited about the challenge of the month ahead and the prospect of playing in finals.

“You try not to think about it (missing 2013) a whole lot because it was extremely disappointing,” Hurley said.

“It does add a bit of extra incentive to get there and try to works as hard as we can to make the finals.”

“To have that taken away last year was obviously gutting so hopefully we can get there this year.”

The Bombers task begins on Friday night with an important clash against an in form Richmond at the MCG.

Richmond is in a rare vein of form having won their last five matches in a row.

Hurley said his side was prepared for the challenge of overcoming the Tigers.

“The Tigers are in good form and we are coming off a bit of a flat loss so it should be a good game,” Hurley said.

“I think the Tiges will have a lot of confidence having won five on the trot.

“Any team that wins that many games in a row is up and about, they have played some good footy so it is a big challenge for us and we are looking forward to it.”

In a contrast to previous season Essendon has shown strong heading into the final month of the season having won six of their last nine matches.

“In previous years at this time of year we have been on the slide a touch and this year I think it is the opposite,” he said.

“It is always nice to have some pretty nice form leading into the pointy end of the year.”