The questions surrounding the make-up of Essendon's team ahead of the weekend's do-or-die final were answered on Thursday night, with two of the three big names returning from injury picked for the trip to Sydney.

Speculation surrounded the selection of Michael Hurley, Orazio Fantasia and Cale Hooker in the lead up to the Elimination Final at the SCG.

Even senior coach John Worsefold declared that all three had to front up and train on Wedesday to be considered.

Hurley and Fantasia did, the pair have recovered from a calf and hamstring injury respectively, but Hooker (bone bruising) was restricted to the AlterG Anti-Gravity Machine and some handball drills.

As a result, Hooker was left out of the squad.

"Its hard to say how close Cale was, because he didn't get up, but we're hopeful he will play next week (should they make it)," Worsfold told media on Friday.

"Basically he's got to be pain-free in any running he's doing, and he hasn't got to that point quite yet."

Hooker didn't play in their narrow loss to Sydney in Round 14 so while Worsefold says the key forward's absence "changes the structure" a little bit, the coach isn't too fazed.

"Speed will be the name of the game," according to AFL.com.au reporter Adam Curley and one of the two inclusions is set to bolster the Bombers' side in that department.

Fantasia uses his speed to his full advantage, often catching teams on the backfoot when the Bombers slingshot from defence and surge forward. His addition will place a little added pressure on the Swans' defence.

At the other end of the ground, Hurley will take a lot of confidence in after his performance in the clubs' last meeting in Round 14.

In the heart-stopper at the SCG, Hurley collected 30 disposals and floated forward to kick what many thought was the sealing goal late in the final quarter.

Michael Hartley played on Lance Franklin in that game, keeping the star forward to 0.6, but many predict All Australian Hurley to go to Franklin before the first bounce on Saturday.