In a sport that is renowned for it’s physicality, there’s no tougher player in the competition than Essendon’s Heath Hocking.

A brute of a midfielder who specialises in shutting out the opposition’s most damaging midfielder, the 26-year-old is a story of rags to riches, as the former rookie lines up for his 100^th game this weekend.

Selected with pick 20 in the 2006 rookie draft, Hocking’s dedication and hard work to getting the best out of himself is a trait he displays each week, requiring that same dedication from his opponents if they are to have any impact on the game.

While not a flashy player, his acts on the field are most appreciated by his teammates and coaching staff, earning two top-five placings to date.

Playing only four games in his first two seasons, Hocking’s breakout season came in 2009, playing 19 games on his way to the club’s first final in five years.

It was followed up by an even better year in 2010, as Hocking’s team-first mentality was evident to all, culminating in the midfielder being runner-up in the Crichton medal.

It was more of the same in 2011 for Hocking, despite missing 6 games, Hocking’s performances were such that he was still able to finish fifth in the Crichton Medal.

It’s the same consistency that endears him to his teammates, being comfortable in the knowledge that Hocking will be there to block for them at every contested and that Hocking will have his team at the front of his mind.

"It has been a long time coming now I am into my ninth season so it has taken a while but it is an exciting time," Hocking said.

"I just need to make sure I don't let the moment get to me and I just play normal footy so I am really looking forward to it."