Hurley to miss Dons’ finals fight

ESSENDON will have to fight for its place in September without defender Michael Hurley, who has been ruled out of Sunday’s finals-defining clash against Fremantle.

But the Bombers are hopeful former captain Jobe Watson will return from a week’s rest for the must-win battle at Etihad Stadium.

The loss of Hurley, who has been battling a calf injury, is a blow for the Bombers, who also lost forward Josh Green to a season-ending foot injury against the Gold Coast.

Coach John Worsfold said the Bombers did not want to risk Hurley, but were confident he would be ready for a return for the first week of the finals if the team books its ticket.

“We weren’t prepared to take the risk to train him up to even consider him for this week,’’ Worsfold said yesterday.

“That means, in all likelihood, that he will be right for beyond.’’

Watson, who will retire from the AFL at season’s end, was rested from last week’s clash against the Suns and Worsfold was expecting the midfield veteran to return.

“Providing Jobe is feeling fresh and ready, I would say he would be playing,’’ he said.