Essendon defender Michael Hurley is enjoying playing at both ends of the ground when called upon this season.

Hurley played both forward and in defence during Saturday night’s win over Port Adelaide swapping with Jake Carlisle throughout the match.

The 24-year-old said he had embraced his role as a swingman in the team.

“It was the first time we have swapped ends during the game, I think it worked pretty well,” Hurley said.

“I thought I got off to a pretty good start down back so it was an interesting call to go forward but I think it worked.”

“Jake and I will keep working on that during the season and see what we can do.”

Hurley said he had relished playing majority of the season in defence and taken the opportunity to create more attack in his game during recent weeks.

“I think during the first half of the season I was pretty dour and all that I focused on was defence,” he said.

“With the way the game is these days you have to attack and you have to get the ball.”

“That is what I have been working on and I think is starting to slowly come out in my game.”

The key position player ranked Saturday night’s thrilling win over the Power as one of the best he has played in.

“It was pretty gutsy, obviously we had a good first half and Port being the great side that they are came back into it,” Hurley said.

“To hold on was nice, the last few losses we have had have been pretty close so it was nice to actually win one.”