Herald Sun chief football writer Mike Sheahan has selected his Top 50 AFL players for the 2009 season and, to the surprise of many Essendon fans, there was not one Bomber included.

Essendon’s 2008 leading goal kicker Matthew Lloyd and Crichton Medal winner, ruckman David Hille both failed to make the list.
 
In this week’s poll we ask the fans which Essendon players should have been included?
 
Maybe you think Mark McVeigh, Andrew Lovett or even Dustin Fletcher deserved a place?
 
 
Last week we asked 'which player (that debuted against Collingwood) impressed you most?' and Michael Hurley was the clear winner with 76.67% of vote ahead of David Zaharakis who polled 23.33%.
 
Here is what some of the fans had to say:

Leigh from Caroline Springs says: I was really hoping to see our 'Rhys Palmer' break through in his first match. While 'Michael Hurley' impressed with a few strong marks in defence he wasn’t a stand-out. I thought Collingwood had two debutants that played terrific games and really hope to see this from 'Hurley' when he plays at AFL level. Go Bombers!

Doris Flanagan from Qld says: During the NAB cup matches the most impressive has been BELLCHAMBERS, plus the form of WINDERLICH after his back injury.

Ted from Mildura says: As this was their first run for the both of them (and with some problems coming into the game) was impressed with both of them. Hope Hurley turns out as good as he looked and he can hold down a key position in defence. This would possibly free up Paddy Ryder who looks totally lost out there- all his confidence is gone or he may be not as good as we thought.

Ben from Berwick says: Come on, they both had very limited game time coming off interrupted first pre-seasons. Zaharakis moved well, Hurley positioned himself well and appeared hungry for the contest. Neither impressed more than the other.

Julie from Essendon says: Saw great glimpses of Zaharakis as well - was particularly impressed with both!

Rack from Kalgoorlie says: I think Michael Hurley had a nice view of what AFL footy could be about. Once he gets the taste of 7 goals getting kicked on him out of his mouth, he'll be better for the time that Knighta kept him on the ground. Wait until our seasoned back men are on the park and I'm sure Michael will thrive in their company. Good luck to all our recruits.

Trent from Berwick says: Both looked really good, but Hurley was impressive considering he was thrown in the deep end. Both of the boys are exciting prospects for our future!

Joseph Attard from Taylors Hill says: With all due respect to Zaharakis, Hurley was the better performer in the match. Hurley took a great mark down in the defence and looked comfortable.

Gayle Haworth from Victoria says: I thought Michael Hurley performed admirably against much more experienced opponents last Friday night. He together with Darcy Daniher showed great promise, leading a very young back line in the second half.

Greg from Lilydale says: Hurley took several strong marks on the last line of defence. I think he looked really strong and could be ready to slot into the team and give Fletch a release of pressure.

James from Berwick says: Both players showed something the other night. However, Zaharakis is going to player senior footy before Hurley. When Zaharakis ran the ball down the wing, took them on, had a bounce and kicked into the forward line- I was impressed. Granted it wasn't the best disposal. Nerves contributed on that occasion. His 1st kick in an AFL match - I'd be nervous too. Hurley isn't a ready made fullback as he isn't big enough yet. He was involved in a few marking contests, not really influencing any of them.

Jonny from Gippsland says: I thought they were both great but Michael Hurley played a little better and used the ball more effectively.