Essendon star Michael Hurley credits backline teammates for playing best footy of his career
Essendon star Michael Hurley is in a rich vein of form and while he hasn’t played a heap of outstanding games, it’s his consistency week to week that has him in the best touch of his stellar career. He reveals why he’s in top form.
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Essendon star Michael Hurley says consistency of personnel in defence this season has been a key factor in helping him play some of the best football of his career.
Hurley was again one of the Bombers’ best against Hawthorn on Friday night, gathering 26 disposals and 12 marks.
The 29-year-old ranks elite among key defenders this season for disposals (21.6 a game) and metres gained (385m a game) and rates above average for intercept possessions (7.3 a game) and intercept marks (2.6 a game).
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“I feel like this has probably been one of my more consistent years,” Hurley said.
“I probably haven’t had the outstanding games I’ve had in previous years but (I’ve been) really consistent. The system we’re implementing helps that. I think the back six or seven that we’ve pulled together throughout the year has been really consistent. The continuity has helped. Obviously getting ‘Hooksy’ (Cale Hooker) back is fantastic. He’s probably the leader down there. And then Patty Ambrose and all the other guys are chipping in and doing really well.”
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Hurley said a steady defence for Essendon was showing in the scores, the side conceding an average of just 66 points from their past nine games.
The consistency in defence has been a stark contrast to the Bombers’ forward line, which has been decimated by injuries.
“We’ve probably rolled nine blokes throughout our back half and probably 15 through the forward line,” Hurley said.
“So it’s made it really hard for the forward line guys. If you play week-in, week-out with the same guys you create that bond and you know how each other plays and help each other out.
“It’s been hard for the guys in the forward half because it’s been a bit of a revolving door.”
Originally published as Essendon star Michael Hurley credits backline teammates for playing best footy of his career
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