ESSENDON has signed young gun Michael Hurley to a new five-year deal.
Hurley, 21, had been mooted as a recruiting target for expansion club Greater Western Sydney, but the Bombers announced they had secured his services until the end of the 2017 season late on Thursday night.
Senior coach James Hird was understandably delighted at the development.
"Michael is an incredibly important part of our future and it is very exciting for the club to have secured his services for the next five years," Hird told essendonfc.com.au.
"There was always going to be a lot of interest in a player of Michael's ability so for him to commit to the club is a great sign of his faith in the direction we are heading.
"He is a fantastic young man and an exceptional talent that we feel the club will be able to build its future around. Our long-term vision always included Michael and this was recently supported by his elevation to the leadership group."
Hurley has kicked 49 goals in 47 games for the Bombers since being selected fifth overall at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.
Michael Hurley is a $346,000 forward in the Toyota AFL Dream Team. Register your team here
