ESSENDON is taking no chances ahead of a possible finals berth, with Cale Hooker an extremely late withdrawal from the match against Fremantle due to a tight calf.
The change was so late the Bombers started the match with just three players on the bench, while replacement Heath Hocking completed a hurried warm-up.
Hooker has missed just the one match this year, back in round 14 with a dislocated finger.
He has kicked 41 goals from his 20 matches, spending the vast majority of the season up forward after many years in defence.
More to come.
