MICHAEL Hurley expects to return for Essendon this week after a back spasm ruled him out of the Bombers' thumping win over Richmond.
 
The key Bomber was a late withdrawal against the Tigers on Saturday night with the problem despite passing a fitness test, but is likely to face Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium this week.
 
"I just had a bit of a spasm last Tuesday and I got through all the testing on Saturday morning but wasn't really sure I'd get through the whole game," Hurley said on Monday after getting follow-up scans.  
 
"Should be fine this week."
 
It broke a healthy run for Hurley, who had played every game for the Bombers this season after an injury-impacted campaign in 2013.
 
"It's in the lower back, it's a bit of a funny one, it just locks up a bit. It's settled down well, I've had a few little things done and a fair bit of physio, so it should be fine," said Hurley, who turned 24 on Sunday.
 
Conjecture remains about which end of the ground Hurley should be used after Jake Carlisle moved to defence and performed strongly against the Tigers.
 
Hurley said he would leave it up to coach Mark Thompson to decide where he was best suited, but was pleased the Bombers could produce their best showing since round three.
 
"It was great. It was good to see the boys playing the way we know we can. It was a good result," he said.