Essendon List and Recruiting Manager Adrian Dodoro says Cale Hooker’s dedication to his preparation will allow him to play into his mid 30’s.

The Bombers revealed today that Hooker had recommitted to the Club for another five seasons.

Hooker will be 28 by round one next year, but Dodoro said there were no concerns about the key position player’s ability to maintain the level of performance that saw him win All-Australian selection and a Best and Fairest. 

“What we’ve seen particularly over the last couple of years with guys like Bob Murphy, (Josh) Gibson and (Luke) Hodge – they’re all 31, 32, 33 years of age… they’re all playing good footy,” Dodoro said.

“I think with the advent of sports science and just the improvement in technology, we’re seeing that these guys are actually lasting on the park a lot longer these days.

“There is no reason why – he’s such a diligent trainer, hard worker - that he can’t play until his mid 30’s.”

Hooker would have been a free agent at the end of the season and Dodoro said there was strong interest from rival clubs.

“We’re removed from that process but our understanding was that there were a number of clubs,” Dodoro said.

“Our understanding is that he’s knocked back some significant offers to want to be part of our future.

“It’s just a vote of confidence for where we’re going as a Club.”

Swingmen are a rare commodity in today’s game, particularly of Cale Hooker’s quality.

He earned his All-Australian spot as a defender in 2014, but then won the Crichton Medal in 2015 despite splitting his time between defence and attack. 

“That’s why there was a high level of interest in him,” Dodoro said.

“There are not many key position players of that quality in the game at the moment.

“When you’ve got Michael Hurley, when you’ve got Cale Hooker – All-Australian spine players and we’re hopefully getting both of them back next year, it’s exciting times for the Club.”