Heath Hocking admits his return to the full-time demands of an AFL training schedule was a bit of a ‘shock to the system’.

The Bombers midfielder trained alongside teammates throughout 2016, but the reduced numbers made it difficult to replicate the training the group is used to.

Upon their return, Hocking said it took some time to adjust to the extra workload.

“We’re training pretty hard and it’s a bit of a shock to the system,” Hocking said. 

“We’ve come from training three days a week last year, to five days a week now. 

“But it has been good and I’m enjoying it.

“They’re (fitness staff) looking after us, not knowing what can happen. We’ve got ten players who have done something a bit different than usual so that’s always something to look out for.

“They’re getting us through sessions and pulling us out at the right times which has been good.”

Essendon's fitness staff have paid close attention to the returning players ‘change of direction’ throughout this pre-season.

“We did a lot of straight line running, but our change of direction – load wise – was a lot lower (last year),” Hocking said.

“We’re just making sure it’s controlled and we’re not pulling up sore in our groins.

“They’re really looking after us and I think it’s helping.”

Hocking spent time in the US late last year where he trained at some elite sporting facilities alongside Orazio Fantasia, Zach Merrett and Joe Daniher.

The recently turned 29 year old said he was impressed by the drive of his younger teammates.

“Fitness wise they just wanted to do more and that was one thing I took from them,” Hocking said.

“It’s good to do a footy session, but then ‘what else can we do?’

“That’s the main thing I learnt from them - their eagerness and willingness to get better right now, and not wait, is fantastic.”