Essendon Coach John Worsfold says Heath Hocking typifies the spirit of the group that has led the Club back to the finals.

The Bombers won through to the September action after a 15-point win over Fremantle.

Hocking earned a late call-up for the match after Cale Hooker succumbed to a calf complaint.

It was Hocking’s second match of the season after he missed the entire 2016 campaign.

He made the most of his opportunity, kicking two second half goals.

“We know not all of those (returning) guys have been a part of the 22 week in, week out, but they have all played a significant role in pulling the Club back together,” Worsfold said.

“It’s epitomised by Heath Hocking – he was a late inclusion to the team but he was the first one to re-commit to the Club last year.

“I was disappointed to lose Hooker but I was rapt to see ‘Buddha’ get the chance to run out and help the team make the finals because he’s been a big part of helping get the Club back to where we are.”

The Dons will now travel to Sydney to take on the Swans on September 9^th in an Elimination Final.

“I’m very proud of the footy Club – obviously led by Dyson (Heppell) and the team,” Worsfold said.

“It’s a significant achievement to do what they did today (Sunday) – not only the Club but it goes to our supporters too, the noise out there was quite phenomenal.

“It was another great home crowd and it tipped us over a million people attending our home and away games this season which was quite mind boggling.”

The Bombers will be hoping to regain Hooker, Michael Hurley and Orazio Fantasia for the match against the Swans.

A goal in the final seconds saw Sydney emerge victorious when the side’s met earlier this season but the Bombers enter the Elimination Final having won six of their last eight matches, including Sunday’s win over the Dockers.

“We’ve had a fair few injuries over the last month with a lot of changes to the side so I’m really rapt with the way everyone has come into the side and played their role,” Worsfold said.

“We’ve covered some key players out.

“We had three of our starting forward line out of our team after Hooker pulled out … that’s fairly significant.

“We’ll focus on that one (winning the first final) but it won’t just be about ‘one final will satisfy us all’.

“We wanted to be in the eight through our efforts and 12 wins in the home and away season justifies where we sit and now we want to see and measure ourselves in finals footy.

“It’s a great learning opportunity but a win is what we’re aiming for.”