In just over half a season, Cale Hooker has proven he has what it takes to be an elite forward of the competition.

With the club’s forward stocks depleted after an injury to Jake Carlisle mid season, the coaches called upon Hooker to make the move and start kicking goals rather than stopping them. 

Hooker began the year exactly where he had left off in 2014, causing headaches for opposition forwards with his strong contested mark, fierce competitive efforts, an overwhelming dedication to every contest as well as a great ability to read the game.

It was these traits as a defender that made the 26-year old West Australian the perfect candidate to fill the gap in the forward line.

If his form up until round 14 was anything to go by, Hooker would have been expecting his second All-Australian nomination in as many years.

However, although he may not be receiving an All-Australian spot as a defender, interim coach Matthew Egan believes that - if Hooker continues as a forward, he has the potential to become one of the elites of the game.

"The way he's going he can definitely be an elite forward of the competition," Egan said post-game. 

"I know Nathan Bassett mentioned today (Hooker) was probably in the All Australian defensive side and now, if he had have played there more, he'd be probably heading to the All Australian forward line.” 

It hasn’t been an easy transition for Hooker who has worked hard behind the scenes watching tapes of opposition forwards and working with goal kicking coach Matthew Lloyd to ensure he is able to perform. 

The rewards of Hooker’s dedication can be seen out on the field.

Since round 14 he has managed to kick 18.17, including two bags of three in the last two weeks.  

Matthew Egan last night praised Hooker’s dedication to add a new element to his game.

"He's a competitor, so if he doesn't mark the ball he's really good on the ground ball,” Egan said. 

“He's watched a lot of [West Coast's] Josh Kennedy. His goalkicking's improved, so he's looking dangerous. 

“We need two of him."

The Bombers will now regroup after last night’s loss and prepare for the final game of the season against Collingwood next week.