Heath Hocking first of Essendon’s banned 12 to commit to Bombers next season

ESSENDON will announce the re-signing of banned midfielder Heath Hocking and unveil a new $7 million sponsor.

AFL Round 9: Essendon v Sydney Etihad Stadium. Heath Hocking tackled by Nick Smith. May 16th 2014. Picture : Colleen Petch

ESSENDON will on Saturday announce the re-signing of banned midfielder Heath Hocking and unveil a new $7 million sponsor.

Hocking, 28, is the first of the club’s suspended dozen to recommit since the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision on January 12.

In a seven-year deal that will help turn the tide at the troubled club, apparel giant ISC will replace adidas in a sponsorship worth $1 million a season.

Essendon’s co-major partner Kia has also recommitted for two more years in a $3 million deal.

Hocking said: “I grew up supporting this great club. I’m an Essendon person through and through, and nothing could sway my passion.

“I have a strong belief in the direction of the club and no doubt once we move past the challenges of this season we will be well placed to achieve success.

“I hope the other boys feel the same way. It would be great to see them return to the club so we can continue on this journey we started together.”

Essendon’s debt sits at about $5 million and the club is bracing for a spree of compensation claims from players affected by the 2012 supplements program.

Banned Bomber Heath Hocking has re-signed with the club. Picture: Colleen Petch

The three-year drugs saga has cost the Bombers almost $10 million, about half of which was covered by insurance firm Chubb.

Bombers chief executive Xavier Campbell said: “Our football club has been challenged in a range of ways over the past few years, including financially.

“We know there are still a number of significant challenges ahead of us — and some things we don’t have a good grasp of just yet — but these announcements reaffirm our belief that we are well positioned for the future.

“How well we absorb the next six months will impact on how quickly we rebound.”

While midfielder Hocking has committed to the club and Dyson Heppell is expected to stay, the futures of key defenders Cale Hooker, Michael Hurely and skipper Jobe Watson are less certain.

Hurley’s manager, Paul Connors, yesterday dismissed suggestions his client’s absence from training with his suspended teammates in recent days was a sign he wanted out.

“He was crook, he had a break over Easter and will be back training with them shortly,” Connors said.

Bombers fans and former players including Terry Daniher, Simon Madden and Ken Fraser will gather at Federation Square at 12.30pm on Saturdaybers and walk to the MCG for the clash against Melbourne as part of the Make A Stand For Our Future campaign.

Club legend Kevin Sheedy will rally supporters by waving his jacket in the Bombers cheer squad before the opening bounce.

Essendon expects a handful of the 12 suspended players to be in attendance

Campbell said the club’s other co-major sponsor, Fujitsu, was contracted until the end of 2017.

As of last night the Bombers had signed 51,283 members.