Essendon veteran Michael Hurley is readying himself for “one last crack” at making a return to football this pre-season, according to ex-Bombers teammate Brendon Goddard.
Hurley missed the whole of this season due to a hip infection, losing more than 10 kilograms in the process after two stints in hospital.
“He’s an almost forgotten man,” Goddard told AFL Trade Radio’s Trade Mornings.
“A great mate of mine, Mick Hurley, who’s going through some battles, I think he’s going to have one last crack at it.
“I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago for all the Essendon supporters out there, he has seen a surgeon of late to have one last clean up and then it’s full steam ahead.
“If it doesn’t work out this pre-season and he can’t get back, then decisions will be made.
“Hopefully he can get back to full fitness, so they’ve got a lot of flexibility.”
Hurley has another year to run on his contract.
The 31-year-old has played 193 games since making his Essendon debut in 2009.