Cale Hooker

Cale Hooker 2018.1

Cale Hooker (born 13 October 1988) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was known for his versatility, playing both as a key defender and a forward during his career.

Early Life and Junior Career[edit | edit source]

Cale Hooker was born in Western Australia and played his junior football with the East Fremantle Football Club in the West Australian Football League (WAFL). His impressive performances at the junior level earned him a spot in the 2007 AFL Draft.

AFL Career[edit | edit source]

Hooker was selected by the Essendon Football Club with the 54th pick in the 2007 AFL Draft. He made his debut in the 2008 season and quickly established himself as a reliable key defender. Over the years, Hooker became known for his strong marking ability and versatility, often being swung forward to provide a target in the attacking 50.

Key Achievements[edit | edit source]

All-Australian: 2014
W.S. Crichton Medal: 2015
Essendon leading goalkicker: 2017

Notable Matches[edit | edit source]

One of Hooker's most memorable performances came in the 2017 season when he kicked five goals in a match against the Geelong Football Club, showcasing his ability to impact the game at both ends of the ground.

Retirement[edit | edit source]

Cale Hooker announced his retirement from AFL at the end of the 2021 season. He finished his career with 219 games and 122 goals for Essendon.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

After retiring from professional football, Hooker has been involved in various community and business ventures. He remains a popular figure among Essendon supporters and continues to contribute to the sport in various capacities.