ESSENDON key position prospect Michael Hurley will not play in the first three rounds of the premiership season after the club announced further sanctions arising from an alleged alcohol-fuelled incident in grand final week last year.

Hurley, 19, was charged with recklessly injuring a taxi driver in an alleged attack outside a fast food restaurant in the early hours of September 26. The charge went before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday, but the hearing was adjourned part-heard until June 11.

The Bombers initially banned Hurley from participating in their NAB Cup and Challenge campaign, but announced further sanctions following Friday's hearing.

In addition to the three-match ban, Hurley will complete an alcohol counseling course and will be involved in no less than 20 hours' additional community service during the 2010 season.

Football operations manager Paul Hamilton made a brief statement on the steps of the court following the adjournment.

"As the matter is only part-heard Michael cannot make any comment today," Hamilton said.

"The club will release a statement later in the day, but it can be confirmed that Michael will not be available for selection until round four of the AFL season."

The fifth overall pick at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, Hurley burst onto the scene with an eye-catching performance in round one last season, but thigh and wrist injuries kept him out of the side until round 15.

The versatile tall played the remaining nine games of the season and earned a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in round 20.

Hurley's pre-season was also interrupted by his recovery from wrist surgery, however he has since returned to full fitness.

Michael Hurley is a $273,300 defender/forward in this year's Toyota AFL Dream Team.