In the absence of Cale Hooker, James Stewart has played a key role in securing Essendon its first finals berth since 2014.

The former Giant kicked four goals as the Bombers held off the Dockers by 15 points.

Hooker was withdrawn from the side just minutes before the opening bounce, forcing a late reshuffle.

But it didn’t perturb Stewart whose athleticism and goal scoring caused the Dockers constant headaches.

He kicked three of his four goals in the second half as the Bombers withstood two Fremantle rallies that saw the visitors draw within eight points.

The 33 game player now has a chance to run out in his first final.

“It’s very exciting – it’s sort of been in the back of our minds for the last couple of weeks, because we knew we had to win, so it’s really exciting going into the next couple of weeks, especially with this group,” Stewart said.

“It’s pleasing to kick a couple of goals but at the same time to grind out that win – we had a couple of patches there where we’d like to be better around the footy and with the contest work.

“But to get through to the finals is what we wanted to do, to take this Club back to the finals, so it’s super exciting.”

The withdrawal of Hooker saw Heath Hocking earn a late call-up and join the forward mix.

Hocking made the most of his opportunity, kicking two goals.

“It was a real surprise,” Stewart said of Hooker’s late withdrawal.

“I didn’t know until we were on the ground … it just meant myself and Jayden had to play a little bit taller at times.

“It didn’t change our roles dramatically but it was something we had to be aware of and I think we handled it pretty well.”

The Bombers kicked more than 100 points for the 11^th time this season with Stewart and midfielder Zach Merrett (four goals) the main contributors.