Bombers’ assistant coach Blake Caracella said post-game that Hurley’s presence gave his teammates a lift as they battled the Blues who looked the better team after half-time as they kicked six goals in the third quarter to open up a match-winning lead eventually winning 14.11 (95) to Essendon 11.8 (74).
“He has had a hard few weeks. It’s not a great thing being in hospital and having an infection. We don’t really know when he is going to be back but it is a good thing seeing him out of hospital and back around the boys,” Caracella said.
Hurley was earmarked to play forward in 2021 and although there is a chance he might return within the first half of the season young forward Harrison Jones took his chance in attack alongside veteran Cale Hooker while James Stewart and Jordan Ridley held down key defensive posts.
Caracella was impressed with Jones as well as the performance of recruit Jye Caldwell who was the Bombers’ best inside midfielder as he attempted to scrap against star Blue Sam Walsh with Carlton winning the midfield battle overall.
BOMBER MOUNTS A CASE
Alec Waterman has pushed his case to be added to Essendon’s list via the pre-season supplemental listing period with a four-goal performance for the Bombers against Carlton in a pre-season hit out at Ikon Park on Thursday.