Nathan Buckley says Collingwood is ‘really keen’ on Michael Hurley

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley has flagged a busy trade period as the Magpies plan for a return to finals after a three year absence.

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley has flagged a busy trade period as the Magpies plan for a return to finals after a three year absence.

The Magpies coach said Essendon swingman Michael Hurley, one of five banned Bombers yet to recommit to the club, was on the radar.

Buckley said Collingwood had put its case to Hurley’s management with the Western Bulldogs also circling the undecided All-Australian.

“We’re pretty clear on where we sit and what we need, and our needs are around improving probably that key tall area front and back,” Buckley said.

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“We’re really keen on (Hurley).

“We’re really sensitive and understanding of the position he finds himself in with his current club Essendon … I’m sure it we’ll become more aware of that over the coming weeks.”

Buckley didn’t rule out Travis Cloke playing again this season despite his intention to persist with a smaller forward structure.

Michael Hurley celebrates an Essendon win against Collingwood. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“His 2016 has been disappointing for him and for us, but it’s not finished yet,” Buckley said.

“We want to get to the other side of this, and then sit down together and look at the way forward for the club and for him.”

After narrowly losing to the Western Bulldogs last week, Collingwood must win its last two games — against Gold Coast and Hawthorn — to avoid setting a new season-low under Buckley.

“It’s probably a familiar refrain sort of looking forward and saying our best is good enough … and when we get these blokes back from injury,” Buckley said.

“I feel like I’ve been saying it for two or three years.

“We’re definitely playing better footy despite not having six or seven first choice players available but we’re growing, we’re maturing, we’re standing up against top eight teams in the back half of the year.

Michael Hurley is one of five banned Bombers yet to sign on for next season. Picture: Michael Klein

“There’s a lot of talk but we want to finish off these next two games and we want to have a good year next year, clearly,” he said.

Buckley is buoyed by “sprigs of growth” including the form of Darcy Moore, Brodie Grundy, James Aish and Rupert Wills who laid 12 tackles in just his third game for the club.

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“We’ve shown some good signs and in the end it’s all got to come together, but we want to finish this year off strongly to be able to take momentum into the preseason,” he said.

“We believe that we’ve been competitive against the best sides in the comp for the most part, got a couple scalps along the way, and we’re really focused on Gold Coast this week in reproducing the attitude and effort of last week and turn the result around.”

Originally published as Nathan Buckley says Collingwood is ‘really keen’ on Michael Hurley