Essendon coach Mark Thompson is excited about the potential of Michael Hurley ‘ripping a game apart’ with the key defender showing strong signs it is close in recent weeks.

Hurley was among the Bombers best players in Sunday’s win over the Western Bulldogs with his 20 disposals providing important drive out of defence.

Thompson said he was pleased with the performance from the 24-year-old swingman.

“I thought some of his ball use late in the game was pretty incredible, he kicked one to Jake late in the game and it was poise to bring it back through the corridor,” Thompson said.

“He is winning good contests and he wining his position.”

Hurley is averaging 19 disposals and 6 marks a game playing predominately as a defender in 2014.

Thompson is confident Hurley is on the verge of putting in a match winning performance.

“I would still like to see him have real influence and rip a game apart from full back or centre half back because I think he has that ability,” he said.

“He runs straight, he is a punishing kick out of the back line and could player a really dominant role and we haven’t seen that yet.”

Hurley, a former member of the club’s leadership group does not naturally enjoy a leadership role.

“If you are up in confidence then it is your responsibility to help shape the team by helping teammates,” Thompson said.

“I was really pleased to see his hands moving and mouth moving to give some help to some of his teammates.”

“It is not something that he naturally likes doing but he understands that it is part of the job.”