Three goals to Heath Hocking, including one in the final two minutes, has seen Essendon record a thrilling three-point win over Collingwood.

Hocking has missed most of the season after undergoing groin surgery earlier this year.

Coaches have lamented the absence of his inside ball winning ability, but today it was his finishing that proved the difference.

“I thought I was being smart but it was probably a bit of cheating,” Hocking said of his match-winning goal.

“It was actually more to the credit of the boys up the field winning the ball back and I found myself in a bit of space and snagged it.

“It’s exciting, I’ve never kicked a game winner, I’m pumped.”

Hocking ended the match with 23 possessions and five tackles to go with his three goals.

The Dons still had work to do  after Hocking put the side in front, as Collingwood tried to muster a last minute game winner.

Typifying the Bombers commitment, Mark Baguley and Cale Hooker both flew courageously in the final seconds when the ball was driven deep in to the Magpies forward 50.

A free kick to Hooker from that contest sealed the result.

“We knew we didn’t want to put the cue in the rack too early and I think to the boys credit they actually finished the game off with ‘Baggers’ and ‘Hooksy’ going back with the flight,” Hocking said.

“It’s just a great feeling going in to next season.”

The Bombers edged the Pies in contested possessions (141-137), tackles (61-60) and clearances (46-31).

“He (Coach Matthew Egan) was definitely proud of the effort,” Hocking said.

“We stuck to the things we wanted to do for the game but we know we’ve got a lot of work to do. 

“He touched on those things with our skill level and getting better in all areas, so enjoy the moment and know we can take that in to next season.”