PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Michael Hurley walks out onto the field during an Essendon Bombers AFL training session at Optus Stadium on September 04, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Michael Hurley will continue his career at Essendon, this time in a coaching or player welfare role.

The defender retired this year, finishing his fantastic career with 194 AFL games and two All Australian selections. Hurley experienced a severe hip infection in 2021 before returning at season's end for an emotional farewell.

Now, the 32-year-old has found himself a new job at Tullamarine.

"I got a call from (General Manager) Josh Mahoney this morning, saying there's a coaching/player welfare job for me next year," Hurley said at Monday's Crichton Medal ceremony.

Essendon's football department continues to see major changes in the off-season, with Brad Scott appointed as the Bomber's new head coach.

Scott joins Essendon with a wealth of experience, having coached 10 seasons at North Melbourne and three years as GM of Football at AFL House.

Read more: Essendon coach Brad Scott identifies type of player Bombers could target: AFL trade news

On Monday, the Bombers announced the appointment of their new CEO Andrew Thorburn, who was previously the CEO of National Australia Bank (NAB).

With a plethora of changes at Essendon, eyes will be turned to an exciting Trade Period in which the club can add on-field support to match their off-field appointments.