ESSENDON'S Heath Hocking has earned a reputation as one of the game's fiercest taggers, but he appears to have almost outgrown his 'run-with' role.

The 24-year-old's last game in 2011 came in the Bombers' elimination final loss to Carlton, where he held Blues skipper Chris Judd to only 19 touches and gathered 20 himself.

This year, his sixth in the system, Hocking is hoping for a bit more freedom.

"It definitely goes on a week-to-week (basis), whether there's someone who needs to be watched (from the opposition)," Hocking said on Monday.

"I wouldn't mind getting out there and playing my own game - but it's up to the coaches."

It might start this Saturday night against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, where Hocking predicts Essendon's stronger defensive attitude will be evident.

The Kangaroos have the edge over the Bombers recently, winning eight of their past 10 meetings since Essendon's famous comeback win in 2001. But for the Bombers to turn around their recent history against North Melbourne they will need a tighter defence across the ground.

Last year the club conceded on average 103 points per game. The premiers, Geelong, conceded an average of 73 points - five goals less every week than James Hird's side.

Hocking suggested another summer focusing on defensive work would be obvious in 2012, with the club desperate to avoid giving away easy goals.

"It's a process we've been working on for two pre-seasons," he said.

"It's how they get their goals - that's be a parameter on how we see it. We don't want to let the easy goals go through. If they have to fight for their goals that's good for us. We just want to stop them."

Heath Hocking is a $435,600 midfielder in Toyota AFL Dream team. Register your team here.

Follow Callum Twomey on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL