Essendon coach James Hird is confident star tall utility Michael Hurley will resist the lure of big money from AFL newcomers Greater Western Sydney.
Hurley is among several big names who are out of contract at the end of this season.
GWS has two years of recruiting concessions and has already signed uncontracted players Tom Scully (Melbourne), Phil Davis (Adelaide), Rhys Palmer (Fremantle) and Callan Ward (Western Bulldogs).
''I'm sure everyone is very hopeful that Michael will sign soon, but that's up to Michael, his manager and his club to sort out,'' Hird said.
''I don't think he wants any pressure from us, but obviously we would love to have him signed as soon as possible and I'm sure that will happen.''
The Bombers hope their new $25million training facility, next to Melbourne Airport, will encourage players such as Hurley to stay with them. Hird helped turn the first sod in a ceremony at the construction site yesterday.
''We're setting up an environment that players want to stay in [and] we're setting up an elite environment where they can get the best out of themselves,'' Hird said.
''That will be for Michael to weigh up - we're certainly confident he'll stay, but that will be for him to decide.
''Speaking to Michael, he's very keen to stay.''
Hurley is now part of the Bombers' leadership group, but his pre-season was set back last month when he had some hamstring tightness.
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