MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Michael Hurley of the Bombers marks the ball during an Essendon Bombers AFL pre-season training session at True Value Solar Centre on January 8, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Essendon defender Michael Hurley has re-signed with the Bombers.

Hurley, who is already contracted for 2017, has signed a five year deal worth a reported $800,000 per season, taking him up to the end of the 2022 season.

The 26-year-old was reportedly being chased by several Victorian clubs, including St Kilda, Western Bulldogs and Collingwood.

The club released the following statement a short time ago:

"Essendon Football Club is thrilled to announce All-Australian defender, Michael Hurley, has secured his long-term future at the Bombers after agreeing to a new five year contract extension.

The 26-year old’s new deal will see him run out in the red and black until the end of season 2022.

Hurley said he was looking forward to being reunited with his teammates.

“I took the time I needed to come to this decision, and to be honest I couldn’t see my future anywhere other than Essendon,” Hurley said.

“What became clear was my strong bond with the playing group, I have some really great mates at the Club, we’ve made a lot of progress and I want to achieve success alongside them.

“The Club has made significant changes, John has had a huge impact in a short period of time and I’m looking forward to playing under him next season and beyond.”

Chief Executive Officer, Xavier Campbell, said Hurley’s recommitment is a significant show of faith in the direction of the football Club.

“Michael is an extremely loyal person who loves his teammates, and we are extremely pleased he’s going to be a Bomber for the next five years,” Campbell said.

“We’ve always felt confident Michael would remain at the Club due to the positive discussions we had with him and his management, and I’m sure our members will be thrilled to see him ‘don the sash’ again in 2017.

“Michael feels confident in the direction of the Club, and is looking forward to resuming his career under John and working towards helping the Club achieve success.”

Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said Hurley’s return will help strengthen the team both on and off the field.

“We’ve got a really clear ambition for where we want to get to as a football Club, and I’m really pleased  Michael wants to be a part of that shared vision,” Worsfold said.  

“We all know the exceptional football talent Michael possesses. He’s a ruthless competitor, strong around the contest and will provide us with great versatility at both ends of the ground.

“Michael leads by example, shows genuine care for his teammates, and will play a pivotal role in upholding the elite standards that will help us achieve our goal of becoming a top side in the competition.” 

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