Essendon forward Michael Hurley’s pre-season hamstring woes look to be behind him after a five-goal effort from the young star led the Bombers to an impressive 56-point win over Brisbane at Visy Park.
The Bombers won Saturday’s AFL practice match 16.16 (112) to 8.8 (56).
Hurley was playing just his second match of the pre-season after hamstring concerns over the summer hampered his preparation for this year.
He started the game impressively with two early goals. He had looked rusty in his opening match last week against Sydney but moved well in the Bombers’ forward line, creating plenty of space and opportunities to score goals.
Hurley was also central to the game’s only drama, when Brisbane defender Pearce Hanley was reported midway through the third quarter for a late strike on him.
The Bombers forward was in the process of completing a mark in the forward zone, when Hanley – who was among Brisbane’s best players on the day – came to the contest late and appeared to strike the Bomber in the head.
Hurley was laid out on the ground for several seconds before being awarded a 50-metre penalty from the umpire and then converted the resulting free kick for his third goal. As well as his five goals, Hurley had 18 disposals and eight marks for the day.
Essendon dominated the match from the beginning. They kicked five goals in the opening quarter to Brisbane’s one, which came through veteran Simon Black midway through the first quarter. It was the Lions’ only goal for the first half. The Bombers had a comfortable 37-point lead at the halftime break.
The Bombers, almost at full strength, would have been pleased with the form of several of the younger brigade. Courtenay Dempsey continues his impressive return from a knee reconstruction and Dyson Heppell was influential across the ground, finding plenty of ball in defence and the midfield. Stewart Crameri also kicked two goals to help set up the early lead.
The veteran David Hille was also impressive for the Bombers, spending much of the day in the ruck.
A youthful Brisbane line-up was without captain Jonathon Brown, who is still out with facial fractures, Josh Drummond and Ash McGrath.
There were few bright spots for the Lions in the first half. However, in the second half, top draft pick Billy Longer was sent to full forward and gave the Lions a focal point up forward and kicked two quick goals after strongly-contested marks.
The Lions competed better in the second half contesting harder for the ball and were also able to win more possession in the middle of the ground as Black became more influential. Jared Polac, in just his second season with the Lions, was also impressive in the middle of the ground.
