Irish Docker Hurley cops his AFL whack

Fremantle’s Irish recruit Sean Hurley admits he’s still coming to grips with Aussie Rules football, but his bravery is already paying some dividends.

Hurley joined the Dockers as a Category B rookie last year to try to carve out an AFL career.

A senior call-up still appears some time away for the former Gaelic star, but Hurley is determined to turn his dream into a reality.

Adapting to game plans and field positions is still proving a tad tricky for Hurley.

But he has learnt the golden rule of Aussie Rules footy – put your body on the line.

“I copped a bad one on the nose. I came back with the flight and I got the whack,” Hurley said.

“They gave me a $30 voucher, though, so that made up for it.”

Hurley has played eight league games and five reserve matches this season for Fremantle’s WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder.

The 23-year-old, starting the season in defence, has since been moved to attack as the Dockers experiment with where he’s best suited.

The 193cm key position prospect is slowly finding his feet, but he knows he has plenty more work to do before he can be considered for a Dockers call-up.

“I reckon I have the strength, but it’s more so in a contest (I’m still adapting),” Hurley said.

“That’s one thing I’m trying to work on, just pushing off guys.

“It doesn’t come natural, because that’s a free in the game I used to play if you push off and take the mark.

“I need to be more aggressive and get that push off and use the strength I do have.”

The ladder-leading Dockers will be without star midfielder Nat Fyfe when they take on Greater Western Sydney on Sunday at Domain Stadium.

Fyfe has been rested in a bid to help him overcome a corked thigh, but the Dockers are still expected to make light work of the Giants.

Hurley joined several of his teammates at the club’s annual Bravery Awards ceremony, where they acknowledged seven young West Australian patients who had shown courage through adversity.

“The resilience they show is unbelievable, and is an inspiration for all us guys,” Hurley said.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!