Defender Cale Hooker continues to receive praise for his game winning performance against the Hawks on Sunday.
Hooker collected a near perfect nine votes from the AFL Coaches Association for his 23-disposal game, where he demonstrated his usual defensive pressure as well as some forward flair.
Of course, the most important play of the night was Hooker’s goal in the dying stages of the game, stealing the lead for the Bombers and securing the win. It was the first time that the All-Australian defender had kicked a goal since 2013, and was only the eighth major he has scored in his career.
"When I kicked it I knew it was going through, but it was probably a little bit lucky - it was a bit of an inside-out torp," Hooker said.
"It was a nice feeling to kick a goal - I haven't kicked too many."
It was a well rounded performance by the entire Essendon team with Hurley collecting votes for a second consecutive week, and Zach Merrett, Colyer and Heppell registering their first for the season.
Round 2 – Essendon vs. Hawthorn Votes:
9 – Cale Hooker (Ess)
7 – Michael Hurley (Ess)
5 – Zach Merrett (Ess)
3 – Brian Lake (Haw)
2 – Travis Colyer (Ess)
2 – Jordan Lewis (Ess)
1 –Jack Gunston (Haw)
1 – Dyson Heppell (Ess)
AFLCA Essendon Votes – 2015:
9 – Michael Hurley
9 – Cale Hooker
5 – Zach Merrett
2 – Travis Colyer
1 – Jake Melksham
1 – Dyson Heppell
AFLCA Player of the Year Leader Board – Round 2
20 Nat Fyfe Fremantle
19 Dylan Shiel GWS
16 Josh Kennedy Sydney
14 Kieren Jack Sydney
12 Tom McDonald Melbourne
12 David Mundy Fremantle
12 Rory Sloane Adelaide
11 Dan Hannebery Sydney
10 Marcus Bontempelli Western Bulldogs
10 Patrick Dangerfield Adelaide
10 Todd Goldstein North Melbourne
10 Josh Kennedy West Coast
10 Jordan Lewis Hawthorn
10 Jeremy McGovern West Coast
10 Steele Sidebottom Collingwood
10 Brodie Smith Adelaide
10 Taylor Walker Adelaide
