Essendon coach James Hird has declared he has no concerns over Heath Hocking’s discipline despite the midfielder facing another possible suspension.

Hocking landed a heavy and high bump behind the play on Lenny Hayes during the third quarter of Saturday night’s round-15 clash against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, as the Bombers suffered their third defeat in five games.

In a positive sign for Hocking which will be taken into account by the match-review panel, Hayes was only off the field for a short time and finished with 23 possessions.

The Saints won 21.7 (133) to 8.14 (62) after Essendon (10-4) suffered several setbacks during the match, including injuries to forwards Michael Hurley (hamstring) and Kyle Reimers (concussion).

“I’m not sure how the incident happened. That will get looked at and we’ll see what happens out of that,” Hird said on Saturday night.

“But I’m not concerned about Heath and his discipline. He’s a fantastic contributor and a real heart and soul of our team.”

Hocking was fifth in Essendon’s 2011 best and fairest award despite the midfielder’s two suspensions for a total of four matches.

Hurley, who had kicked 11 goals in Essendon’s previous two matches, scored one goal before he was subbed out in the third quarter.

Hird denied Hurley had carried a hamstring injury into the match. The 22-year-old missed three games earlier this season with a hamstring problem.

“It compounds a very disappointing night. It’s frustrating year for him, he sort of gets going and kicks a few goals and has the hamstring,” Hird said.

“We’ll go away and scan it Monday and we’re hoping it’s not (injured) but normally it is when doctors think it is.”

Hird said the Bombers, who have dropped out of the top four, would look at promoting Scott Gumbleton from the VFL while Hurley’s fellow key forward Stewart Crameri was unavailable.

Crameri’s two-game suspension includes next Saturday’s game at AAMI Stadium against Port Adelaide.

Hird said he would look at Saturday night’s loss as an isolated incident, not as part of a pattern.

He said he was very honest with his players immediately after the game.

“You can look at one loss like that and maybe not forgive it, because that sort of performance is not acceptable, but make sure we turn up next week to play rather than bury our team,” Hird said.