Essendon have banned Michael Hurley from discussing his future, while staying confident they can keep him from the clutches of AFL expansion team Greater Western Sydney.
The tall utility is a key target for the Giants, who are in the second year of their recruiting concessions.
Hurley comes out of contract at the end of this season and if GWS can convince him to move north, there is nothing the Bombers can do about it.
He was circumspect about the issue when he spoke on Tuesday morning at the launch of the NAB Cup pre-season competition.
“I’m contracted until the end of the year so when I know something I will let you know,” he said.
Essendon football manager Paul Hamilton said the club did not want Hurley – a prime target for the Giants – discussing his situation.
“We’re in talks with a number of players about contracts, not just Michael, and we don’t really like talking ourselves about the negotiation period,” Hamilton said.
“It’s something that you have to do without the public eyes.
“At the same time you don’t want players to be harassed about it all the time.
“We’re in talks but we’ll sort those things out as we go through but we’re very confident the way things are going.”
Hurley and David Zaharakis were voted into Essendon’s leadership group for this season.
Hamilton said the Bombers wanted to “invest in the youth and get some young leaders coming through the club.”
“I’m sure he would like to stay,” Hamilton said of Hurley.
He added that Hurley, who can play centre half-forward or centre half-back, had overcome a minor pre-season injury issue and would line up at some stage in the NAB Cup.
“He had a small hamstring strain but he’s good,” Hamilton said.
“He won’t play this week but he’ll play during the NAB Cup … he’s travelling really well.
“He’s back in full training now and there shouldn’t be any reason why he can’t play a couple of NAB Cup games in preparation for the season.”