Heath Hocking has made the most of his late call-up to the Bombers side, kicking two crucial goals to help the Dons secure a finals spot.
The 29 year old was told just minutes before the game that he would be needed to fill the void left by Cale Hooker who felt tight in his calf leading into the match.
“It was a bit rushed – I sort of had a feeling I might have been needed so I was ready,” Hocking said.
“But once the warm up finished I switched off a little bit but then they said ‘start warming up’ and from there I think it was about eight minutes to the bounce so it was rushed but the staff got me up and about and I was ready to go for that first rotation.”
Hocking hadn’t played since round three, his only AFL appearance of the season.
But the tough midfielder has been in excellent form in the VFL where he’s played 16 games and averaged 18 disposals.
“It has been difficult because at VFL level I have been pretty consistent and I’ve moved around a bit between back, midfield and forward,” Hocking said.
“I was probably lucky that I’ve played forward the last three or four weeks, so when there was a forward role needed they thought of me.”
Hocking ended the match with nine possessions, four marks and two goals – the first of which capped a run of five goals from the Bombers in the third quarter.
“Pretty much everyone came over and celebrated with me which means a lot to me,” he said.
“It has been a tough season but to have those little wins along the way was fantastic.”
Despite limited opportunities this season, Hocking said he was proud to play his part in ensuring the Bombers would play finals for the first time since 2014.
“I don’t know if I’m playing or not but it’s good that I can be involved in the win that gets us into the finals and to do my part in that way,” he said.
“The boys are going to be fantastic, they’ve come a long way in the last couple of years.
“The fans have been terrific as well coming to support us and it’s good to get the win for Jobe in his last home game and ‘Kels’ (James Kelly) as well.”
