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Bombers explode on Hurley

By Mr Dandalooa

Could the Bombers be suffering from The Fevola Effect before the season even starts?

Reports on AAP yesterday reported that Essendon has suspended young defender Michael Hurley until the start of the AFL regular season over his assault charges after a September 25 late-night altercation with a taxi driver in Richmond.

Hurley faces five charges over the alleged incident is due to appear in court on March 5.

FootyGoss understands that the 19-year-old key position player’s suspension will cover the NAB preseason cup and challenge fixtures.

Bombers chief executive Ian Robson was reported saying the suspension will be part of a “broader response that would be announced soon” by the club.

“Michael made a serious mistake and he is extremely remorseful for his actions,” Robson said in a statement.

“He accepts that the club has imposed this sanction and will take further action, and he will continue to fully co-operate with police and the courts.”

Robson said that the Bombers’ penalty does not speak to Michael Hurley’s guilt or innocence on the assault charges.

As FootyGoss reported earlier this week, Geelong seem to be suffering from The Fevola Effect too when the Cats suspended premiership forward Mathew Stokes until round eight of the regular season.

Stokes, who faces charges of possessing and trafficking cocaine, has been told by the club to basically get a real job.

The latest development for Essendon comes after Carlton kicked out former full-forward Brendan Fevola last year following last September’s Brownlow Medal debacle.

Carlton Football Club’s has now taken a hardline approach to misbehaviour, a consequence of The Fevola Effect, saying “dire consequences” would occur for any player who breaks the club’s now strict code of conduct.

Blues CEO Greg Swann said the behaviour of the Blues squad was a major consideration in recent sponsorship negotiations with behaviour clauses drafted into the contract.

The drastic move came after the fallout from The Fevola Effect at the Brownlow Medal night and after the club suffered further embarrassing PR blows is a horrid week dealing with poor player behaviour before Christmas last year.

Fevola, a top goal-kicking hero at Carlton for seven seasons, left a big legacy at the Blues but a bigger legacy in the AFL with clubs now talking tough on nuisance players, ultimately from The Fevola Effect.