Michael Hurley and Orazio Fantasia have taken an important step towards playing in Essendon's Elimination Final after completing training on Wednesday, but doubt remains over Cale Hooker, who failed to hit the track.

Hurley, who has battled a calf strain in recent weeks, and Fantasia, who has been out of the Bombers' side since a hamstring tear in round 20, got through the session at Essendon's Tullamarine headquarters.

Fantasia moved sharply throughout the 90-minute session, working with the forwards group and also taking part in some match simulation drills as he amped up his bid to face Sydney at the SCG on Saturday. 

All Australian defender Hurley also appeared unperturbed by the concern that saw him miss the final two weeks of the home and away season, and trained to a good standard. 

However, Hooker appeared only briefly at the start of the session, when he did some light touch work on the sidelines, before heading into the club's indoor training facility after about 10 minutes. 

Coach John Worsfold on Tuesday flagged that the Bombers could give the important forward longer than Fantasia and Hurley to prove his fitness given he is battling a different type of injury with his leg bone bruising.

Teammate Brendon Goddard said Hooker had done some weight-bearing running instead of training with teammates, adding that his inclusion will likely come down to the wire. 

"We'd like to have him there but he's doing everything he can. Today [he's] running on the Alter-G [machine] so we'll get a gauge of how he pulls up. We'll give him until the last minute because he's pretty important," Goddard said after the session.

The former Saint, who has played 17 finals in his career, said the post-season bye had helped to freshen up top-eight teams, but that it remains difficult taking in players who are underprepared.

"Teams are very good at exposing weak links and individuals in opposition teams," Goddard said.

Goddard said he spoke with Hurley and Fantasia after Wednesday's session and reported that the pair are optimistic they will be fit to face the Swans. 

"I chatted to both of them then and they said they felt really good, but in saying that we'll give them another day. As we know, it's one thing training but another thing in how they pull up," he said. 

"But they're pretty confident they'll be alright."