Essendon welcomes back two stars but will have to do without another for its Elimination Final against Sydney on Saturday.

Michael Hurley (calf) and Orazio Fantasia (hamstring) have overcome their injuries and proved their fitness in a searching session on Wednesday.

Cale Hooker will miss the game though, after failing to overcome bone bruising in his leg.

Hurley was named in the All Australian side last week and will strengthen an Essendon defence looking to quell the Lance Franklin led Sydney forward line.

“'Hurls' is a great player and he’s had a wonderful year,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold said.

“He’s unfortunately missed a couple (matches), but in a way he was one of the players that hadn’t had much of a break throughout the year so we’ve also seen him freshen up in that period.

“Having Hurls back in the line-up is great for us.”

Fantasia has booted 38 goals this season and his pace will be a key asset against the Swans. 

“He’s been an important part of the way we’ve played, not only with his speed in the forward line but we can use him through the middle of the ground for periods as well, where he adds another dimension to us,” Worsfold said. 

“We’re rapt to have him back – those forwards have worked really well together all year, so I know they’re all keen to have him back out there.”

Elimination Final

Sydney vs Essendon

Saturday September 9

SCG

4:20pm 

In: Michael Hurley, Orazio Fantasia

Out: Heath Hocking, Jayden Laverde

Milestones: David Myers (100 games) 

B: James Kelly, Michael Hartley, Mark Baguley

HB: Andrew McGrath, Patrick Ambrose, Conor McKenna

C: Jobe Watson, Darcy Parish, Brendon Goddard

HF: Zach Merrett, James Stewart, Martin Gleeson

F: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Joe Daniher, Josh Begley

R: Tom Bellchambers, David Zaharakis, Dyson Heppell

I: Orazio Fantasia, Michael Hurley, David Myers, Travis Colyer

E: Jayden Laverde, Heath Hocking, Shaun McKernan