Michael Hurley on St Kilda’s radar, says coach Alan Richardson

ST KILDA coach Alan Richardson has officially entered the Saints in the Michael Hurley sweepstakes but says the Bomber had to tick some boxes before he was pursued.

ST KILDA coach Alan Richardson has officially entered the Saints in the Michael Hurley sweepstakes.

The Essendon star’s future remains unclear despite being contracted to the Bombers for 2017 after being banned for 12 months as a result of the club’s supplements saga.

The Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne are two clubs keen to lure the All-Australian defender out of TrueValue Solar Centre during this year’s trading period.

Former Essendon teammate Jake Carlisle left the Bombers for St Kilda last season.

Richardson said the Saints were always looking to add quality players but Hurley had to tick some boxes before he was pursued.

“We’re in the market for good players and he (Hurley) certainly fits that criteria,” he told 3AW on Monday.

“There’s a lot that goes into those selections. What do you give up to get anyone? Are they are really specific need for your footy club? Do they fit the right demographic?

“We’ll make decisions on our list ... he’s a good player and were always looking to add quality to many positions our list and we’ll be active in that space.”

The Saints have been in strong form in the second half of the season and Hurley could be enticed by a young list seemingly on the rise.

Retired Bomber Paul Chapman said Hurley could leave in pursuit of a premiership.

“It will hurt him to leave, but he craves success and I think he believes it won’t be at the Essendon Football Club,” Chapman told RSN 927.

“He enjoys his time there but he wants more.”

Richardson said the club’s form had been positive and was particularly pleased with forward Tim Membrey’s forward after a five-goal haul on Sunday against Carlton.

“The last six weeks have been pretty positive — we haven’t won every game, we’ve won most of them — but we’ve been much more consistent in games,” he said.

“We really like him (Membrey). Obviously, his goalkicking form has been good.

“He’s reaped the rewards of a really strong pre-season.”

Originally published as Michael Hurley on St Kilda’s radar, says coach Alan Richardson