Hurley is out of contract at the end of this season, but Hird said the Bombers would not heap pressure on the 21-year-old to sign immediately, instead optimistic they would be able to secure the key forward's signature in time.
""I'm sure everyone is very hopeful that Michael will sign soon, but that's up to Michael, his manager and the club to sort out,"" Hird said.
""I don't think he wants any pressure from us but obviously we would love to have him signed as soon as possible. And I'm sure that will happen.
""I know his teammates are very confident he'll stay and speaking to Michael he's very keen to stay as well.""
Hurley was put on a modified training program in January after experiencing tightness in his hamstring but returned to full training on Tuesday. He is on track to play in the NAB Cup, despite the slight setback.
""It went very well and we have no doubts Michael is up and ready to go, and as with a lot of our squad we’ve trained them hard at certain times and eased them back at different times,"" Hird said.
Hird said Essendon would use this month's NAB Cup to give each player two-and-a-half to three games of match practice before the home and away season started.
The Bombers fly to Perth on February 19 to take on Fremantle and West Coast, and Hird said there would be opportunities for the new players at the club. ""We'll probably give all our recruits a game over in Perth,"" he said.
Speaking at the official commencement of construction on Essendon's new Melbourne Airport headquarters – itself carrying an aim to attract quality players from other clubs – Hird said the venue would provide a stable training base after spending this pre-season at a number of grounds.
The club is currently researching what will be included in the facility, with an indoor altitude centre being discussed. Essendon hopes to start its 2013 pre-season at the venue.
""We've got another 12 months before that facility is actually finished so we've got people researching what we need, and what's there for the future,"" Hird said.
