MICHAEL Hurley is certain he will be fit to face Richmond in Saturday night's Dreamtime at the 'G clash despite nursing a sore neck after last week's win over West Coast.

The star Essendon defender was left sore after crashing to the ground following a marking attempt late in the Bombers' 61-point win over the Eagles at Etihad Stadium.

The 26-year-old took some time to get back to his feet after the marking contest, but played out the game.

He has had a light week on the track but says he will be "good to go" to take on the Tigers.

"I just landed pretty awkwardly. I was pretty lucky I think, I landed right on my elbow which pushed my shoulder up and left me with a pretty stiff neck and I had a bit of whiplash as well," Hurley told AFL.com.au. 

"Everyone's a bit sore at this time of the year, but I did a little bit of training today and I'll do a little bit more the day before the game."

Essendon is also confident key forward Cale Hooker will line up in the annual Indigenous Round contest, despite suffering a corked thigh last week.

The Bombers will be searching for three consecutive wins for the first time since the middle of 2014 when they take on Richmond under the MCG lights, and Hurley said it was important to continue their strong form.

"We've had a couple of good wins now and historically we've struggled coming off good wins. We've let our guard down slightly, so hopefully we can back it up and play some good footy," he said.

This is the 12th Dreamtime game between the clubs, with Essendon narrowly holding the advantage 6-5, but the Tigers have won the past two annual encounters.