Veteran midfielder Heath Hocking has been named in this week’s side to take on Melbourne.

In what will be his first senior game since last year’s elimination final loss to North Melbourne, Hocking’s experience and understanding of the game will be a valuable asset to what is a young Essendon outfit.

With Captain Jobe Watson now out for the season, Hird said Hocking’s availability comes at a important time.

“It’s really, really exciting for Heath,” he said.

“It’s also good for the team being a leader of the team.”

Coming back from dual groin surgery, Hocking has spent the last two weeks playing for Essendon VFL where he has demonstrated that he has lost none of his trademark ferocity and attack on the ball averaging six tackles and 16 disposals.

With a wet Melbourne day on the cards for Saturday Hocking’s in and under contested work as well as mature body will be important.

“Conditions won’t be great, so some big bodies will really help us,” Hird said.

“And we’ve missed that through the midfield. We’ve really missed Heath and David Myers in the midfield, so it’s great to have Heath back.”

Hocking will be joined by other inclusions Alex Browne, Patrick Ambrose and debutant Jayden Laverde as the Bombers make four changes to the side.

The 10^th Annual Clash for Cancer kicks off this Saturday afternoon from 1:40pm at the MCG.