A RETURN to full-time AFL training has come as "a bit of a shock to the system" for Essendon midfielder Heath Hocking.

However Hocking, 29, one of the Bombers players suspended for the 2016 season over the club's supplements program, says he is enjoying being back in the fold.

He trained with fellow suspended players last year in a program overseen by premiership player Sean Wellman and former Collingwood fitness boss David Buttifant, but said it was impossible to replicate normal training loads with a smaller number of people.

"We're training pretty hard and it's a bit of a shock to the system," Hocking told the club website. 

"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.

"(Fitness staff is) looking after us, not knowing what can happen. We've got 10 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."

Players ability to change direction has been a particular focus 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 elite sporting facilities with Orazio Fantasia, Zach Merrett and Joe Daniher.

He 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."