Emerging midfielder Heath Hocking will not be leaving anything to chance this pre-season as he looks to cement a regular spot in Essendon’s best 22 next year.

The 21-year-old has been putting in extra sessions at Windy Hill this week to ensure his 187cm, 91kg body is in peak condition when the team commences pre-season training on November 11th.

“You want to stay as fit as you can over the off-season so that when you come back you can jump straight into it,” Hocking told Bomber.tv.

“You can have a bit of a rest but you have to keep your body in shape as well. At the moment I’m feeling really good - I’ve been doing a bit of weights and some running and my body is feeling good so I can’t really complain.

“Starting training early is also a little bit of a boredom thing too when you are sitting at home all day and you look for things to do.”
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After recently signing a two-year contract with the Bombers following his 19-game season, Hocking says he is keen to repay the faith by producing consistent on-field performances in 2010.

“I’ve just been given a new two-year contract which is a first for me so I just am aiming to play my part in the team and hopefully cement a regular spot,” he said.

“I want to build on my performances from last year and if I can add something to the team in 2010 I will be happy with that.”
To watch the full interview on Bomber.tv, click here.
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