Bombers' Hurley cleared after AFL injury

Essendon key defender Michael Hurley remains in line to play the Bombers' final AFL pre-season game after being cleared of serious damage to his ankle.

Essendon key defender Michael Hurley remains in line to play the Bombers' final AFL pre-season game. (AAP)

Essendon's Michael Hurley has been cleared of serious damage to his ankle and could still play in the Bombers' final AFL pre-season game.

The important key defender limped off the ground during the Bombers' loss to Gold Coast in Mackay on Sunday.

But the Bombers say the injury is not serious and Hurley remains in contention to face Geelong in Bendigo on March 12.

"Michael got a kick to the front of his shin, it pinched the front of his ankle at the same time," Bombers fitness boss Justin Crow said on Tuesday.

"If we had a game this weekend he might be in some doubt. But we're hopeful as that soreness goes away, he'll get back into training and still be a reasonable chance (to play Geelong)."

Hurley also rolled an ankle during an intra-club hitout at the start of the month but recovered in time to play in the Bombers' opening pre-season match against Collingwood.

The 2015 All-Australian was one of 34 Bombers - including 10 still at the club - who served a 12-month doping ban last season.