Essendon star Dyson Heppell says he can’t see Michael Hurley leaving the Bombers

ESSENDON star Dyson Heppell says he can’t see Michael Hurley leaving the Bombers.

Dyson Heppell. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

ESSENDON star Dyson Heppell says he can’t see Michael Hurley leaving the Bombers.

Heppell and Hurley have been holidaying overseas with Bomber teammates during their 12 month suspension.

While the pair weren’t together, Heppell said he had spoken to Hurley over the phone and was confident he would remain at the club.

“From my discussions I’ve had with Hurls I haven’t had any inklings from him that would suggest to me that he is leaving,” Heppell said.

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“Knowing Mick, he is a pretty laid back kind of character and doesn’t give too much away. It is hard for everyone to know where he is at.

“From my point of view I can’t see him giving away anything that he is leaving.

“Obviously I would love for the man to stay at the footy club. He is a pivotal player for us. I’ll respect any decision that he makes. That is obviously going to happen in the near future.”

Of the 12 banned Bombers, seven have re-signed for next year.

Michael Hurley playing for Essendon before his suspension. Picture: Michael Klein

Hurley is the most high profile player not yet committed. He is already drawing interest from other AFL clubs including St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs.

Heppell said members of the banned 12 had spoken about their playing futures.

“You feed off each other and you do ask questions but you’re all there to support each other,” Heppell said on AFL 360.

“Whatever decision the blokes make you respect that. It’s not as if we are going, ‘what exactly are you doing?’, it is more, we are there to support you either way you go.”

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Earlier this week, Brent Stanton became the latest Bomber to commit to next season.

Stanton joins Heppell, Tom Bellchambers, David Myers, Cale Hooker, Travis Colyer and Heath Hocking.

As well as Hurley, Jobe Watson, Michael Hibberd, Tayte Pears and Ben Howlett are the other Bombers yet to sign.

Originally published as Essendon star Dyson Heppell says he can’t see Michael Hurley leaving the Bombers