Bomber defender Heath Hocking has been elevated into the Essendon leadership group for season 2011.

Hocking said it was an honour to be voted in by his peers and is looking forward to taking on more responsibility with the younger players.

“I’m very excited and a bit shocked as well,” Hocking said.

“I’d like to think the reason was based around the way I prepare and train and that’s something I want to continue to do, hopefully I can provide some real leadership to the younger blokes who I feel I can really help,” he said.

Used in a variety of different roles last year, Hocking is keen to earn a more permanent spot in the Essendon midfield.

“There’s no doubt I was a bit of a utility last season but in the midfield is where I want to start each game,” Hocking said.

“I pulled out a pretty good beep test and my time was as good as some of the best at the club so hopefully that gives me a bit of a head start to play in the midfield.”

“But then you have to be able to find the footy, play well and play a role each week so I will look to do that from the start in round one,” Hocking said.