HOOKER, Cale

Cale Hooker was recruited from East Fremantle with pick 54 in the 2007 National Draft. He spent the first half of his career as a defender before moving to the forward line when the Club found itself short of quality forwards. To the surprise of many, he was a great success and kicked 115.61 in his last six seasons, compared with 7.6 in his first seven. He was an excellent mark, able to use his bulk and strength to great effect, and was a reliable kick. He averaged six marks and 16 disposals per game during his career, which was exceptional for a big man.

The archetypal swingman, his versatility was demonstrated by finishing second in the Crichton Medal and his All-Australian selection as a defender in 2014 and his winning the Crichton Medal as a forward in 2015.

He missed the 2016 season due to suspension following the Supplements saga but immediately returned to top form in 2017. He, together with the majority of the other players suspended, continued to play at a high level following their suspension and should be congratulated for the courage they showed, under immense pressure, in playing AFL football again.

He won the Tom Wills Award as best on ground in the Country Game between Essendon and Geelong in 2018.

Hooker retired at the end of the 2021 season and returned to his family's boutique vineyard in Western Australia to concentrate on producing fine wines, especially shiraz, under the label Hooker Wines.