Cale Hooker has become one of the game’s elite defenders over the last two years.

The 26 year old was recognised with All-Australian selection after last season, but on Sunday he was thrust into the forward line.

The injury to Jake Carlisle forced a re-shuffle of key position players with Hooker heading forward and Ariel Steinberg coming into the line-up.

Hooker kicked the Bombers first goal and ended the day with three.

“At least you know the contest you’re going to get,” Essendon’s all time leading goal-kicker Matthew Lloyd said. 

“That’s what all these players from this point on have to think about – ‘how do I want to have my own name looked at, not just the team’s?’

“So I think it’s about your own individual pride and that’s one thing about Cale Hooker – you know what contest you’re going to get week in and week out.”

Hooker took eight marks throughout the day.

With Carlisle out for around another three to five weeks, Lloyd says the coaching staff may persist with the move.

“It’s something that I’d persevere with if you can handle not having him in the backline,” he said.