Michael Hurley is the latest in an increasing line of AFL players to receive a club suspension after an incident off the field. 

The Essondon Bombers have given Hurley a pre-season suspension which means he will miss the NAB Cup and Challenge, and will not be back in the senior side until round one of the regular season.

This action is apparently just part of a 'broader response' to the assault charges which have been laid against him. The remainder of sanctions to be imposed on him will be announced by Essendon soon.

Hurley is to return to court on 5 March regarding five assault charges involving an incident with a Melbourne taxi driver in September last year. 

Other players facing suspensions are; Mathew Strokes of the Geelong Cats for charges of possessing and trafficking cocaine, Carlton's Eddie Betts, Andrew Walker and Ryan Houlihan for their drunken and disorderly behaviour in their pre-Christmas 'booze cruise' and Richmond draftee Troy Taylor for an alleged assault in Alice Springs on New Year's Eve.