Michael Hurley’s impressive defensive efforts during Saturday’s opening round clash against the Swans have been recognized by the AFL Coaches Association.

Hurley was able to nullify opponent Buddy Franklin’s influence for most of the game, with the star forward having to work hard for his three goals.  But despite a stellar performance, including 19 possessions, five marks and a game high seven rebound 50s, Hurley was disappointed with the team’s last quarter fade-out.

"The game went in ebbs and flows and I felt like we were on top for a fair bit of the game," he said on Tuesday.

"But Sydney being the team they are fought back hard and I felt a couple of times late in the second quarter and obviously in the last quarter that they really got a run on and were very hard to stop.”

With eight days until Sunday’s clash against Hawthorn, the defender believes that the team will be able to regroup and put up a strong performance against last year’s premiers.

"We have an eight-day break, which has come at a good time. Playing Sunday afternoon at the 'G against Hawthorn in a massive game is pretty exciting, so I think all the boys will get up, no worries," the 24-year-old said.

"They're very impressive, they won the ball in tight and then the way they spread and used the footy was second to none. It'll be a pretty tough game on the weekend."

Jake Melksham was the only other Essendon player to receive votes receiving one vote for his efforts against Sydney.

Round 1 – Sydney vs. Essendon Votes:

8 Parker (Syd)
7 K. Jack (Syd)
6 Kennedy (Syd)
5 Hannebery (Syd)
2 Hurley (Ess)
1 Franklin (Syd)
1 Melksham (Ess)

AFLCA Player of the Year Leader Board - Round 1:
10 Nat Fyfe (Fre)
10 Tom McDonald (Mel)
10 Jeremy McGovern (WC)
10 Dylan Shiel (GWS)
10 Steele Sidebottom (Coll)
10 Taylor Walker (Adel)
8 Josh Gibson (Haw)
8 Jordan Lewis (Haw)
8 Luke Parker (Syd)
7 Patrick Dangerfield (Adel)
7 Taylor Hunt (Rich)
7 Kieren Jack (Syd)