Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce it has retained the services of hard working duo Michael Hibberd and Heath Hocking.

The talented pair will continue to don the sash for the 2015 season and beyond after signing three and two year contract extensions.

Hibberd is in career best form and the 24 year-old told Bomber TV despite significant offers to lure him away, he said the True Value Solar Centre was home.

“This club has stood by me throughout my career, they gave me my chance to play AFL footy and I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else,” Hibberd said.

“I’ve got a lot of good mates here, we’re a tight group and we want to play and win finals.”

“We definitely believe we have the ability and the talent but that can only get you so far. It’s about consistent effort and we know we have to perform if we want to be a part of a successful era at the club.”

Hocking, a senior leader of the club, echoed the sentiment of his teammate.

“I’m really proud to play for this great club, a club I supported since I was a kid. To ‘live the dream’ everyday is obviously a great honour and one I don’t take for granted,” Hocking said.

“As Hibbo mentioned this group is on the verge of playing some really exciting football, and if we continue to work hard and play the Essendon brand of football, who knows how far that will take us.”

Senior coach Mark Thompson said the leadership and loyalty of both players should be commended.

“The ability to retain this team of players is a great sign of the strength and direction of our club. Hibbo and Heath are important leaders for the football club and it’s great to see them re-sign,” Thompson said.

“Hibbo is in terrific form, the best form of his career and Heath is just a competitor, a fierce competitor, who hates losing. In fact, they both hate losing.”

“Our players have the best facility, and our job is to give them the opportunity to be the best at what they do. I think it’s great to see this talented and resilient group of young men develop and mature together.”

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