Star Essendon defender Michael Hurley will undergo surgery after scans confirmed a high-grade AC joint injury in his left shoulder.
Hurley, 29, sustained the injury after he was met with a bone-crunching bump from North Melbourne youngster Cameron Zurhaar in yesterday’s five-point win.
GM of Football Dan Richardson is optimistic regarding Hurley’s chances of returning towards the end of the season.
Michael Hurley's match finished early after this contest with Cameron Zurhaar.#AFLDonsNorth pic.twitter.com/VpUR8D8abm
— AFL (@AFL) July 13, 2019
“Unfortunately, Michael will undergo surgery in the coming days to repair the damage to the AC joint in his shoulder,” Richardson told essendonfc.com.au.
“Once the surgery is complete, we will be in a better position to clarify the length of time he will be sidelined.
While it’s a disappointing outcome, we remain hopeful Michael could return to play before season’s end.”
The two-time All-Australian had played every game in 2019 prior to his shoulder injury.