Essendon forward Cale Hooker says he is feeling stronger with each game he plays this season.

The All Australian defender turned forward has booted 23 goals and averaged six marks from his 12 games.

He said the team has been buoyed by the increasing cohesion within the group.

“I’ve found personally my legs have felt better and better each week and I feel like as a team we have really built into the season,” Hooker said.

“That’s what is so exciting for us - we know we’ve got so much upside still and so much improvement.

“All of these young guys have come on quicker than even I expected.”

The Bombers take on Sydney this Friday night at the SCG, on the back of their 70 point win over Port Adelaide before the bye.

Hooker was one of the stars kicking five goals.

He also took nine marks and laid two tackles.

“Obviously it’s always nice to hit the scoreboard but the most pleasing thing was the team performance,” he said.

“To have a good strong win like that, at this stage of the season, is really exciting for us.

“We know that the competition is so even and that things can turn either way so quickly, so we’re just focusing on improvement and hopefully that comes out this week.”

The Bombers are in eighth spot on the ladder with just two wins separating fourth from 11th.

“I think the way the competition is now it’s so even, every game is super important and we’ve just been focusing on continual improvement,” Hooker said.

“We are certainly striving to be as good as we can be this year and at the end of round 22 we will see where we sit and see where we go from there.”

The Bombers will take on a Swans outfit that has won five of their last six games and jumped to 12th spot on the ladder.

“We know the Swans are an even team and a good side and we will have to be at our best to beat them,” Hooker said.

“Our team this year is completely different to the year before and the years before that so it will be a different challenge and a different line-up.

“We know how dangerous the Swans are. They’re a great side and we know we are going to have to be at our best this week.”