With the game against North Melbourne in the balance at the final change, Cale Hooker says he was keen to bring some ‘energy and passion’ to help his side get over the line. 

The key forward kicked four last quarter goals to seal a crucial win for the Club.

Along the way he was involved in a running battle with Kangaroos defender Daniel Nielson, with the pair clashing after a number of Hooker’s goals.

“At three quarter time I said to myself I wanted to bring my energy and passion to the game … to help us get across the line,” Hooker said.

“I didn’t intend for it to be disrespectful and I certainly hope it didn’t come across like that.

“If people are going to criticise me for being emotional and energetic and passionate then they can do that, that’s not going to worry me too much.

“I want to bring my passion and energy each week and the game was on the line.

“We’re playing on the edge an trying to really ‘bring it’ … we want to be in contention in the back half of the year.”

Hooker is in line to play his 150th game this Sunday against the Western Bulldogs.

The All Australian made his debut in 2008 after landing at the Bombers via the 54th pick in the 2007 National Draft. 

“It creeps up on you (150 games), you don’t really realise it’s coming … it’s obviously pretty special and something I’m looking forward to,” he said.

“It’s a good chance to thank all of the support networks and friends and family that have helped me get there and my teammates.

“It’s another game once we run out there but it’s nice to achieve the milestone.”

Just one game separates fifth and 11th on the ladder with five home and away games to play.

The eighth placed Dons sit in the middle of that pack ahead of the match with the tenth placed Bulldogs.

“These are the sort of games you want to play in,” Hooker said.

“We’ve really been focusing on being a more consistent team.

“We know we’ve still got a lot of upside and that’s what we’ve been working on.

“It’s another chance this week to show that we’re improving and that we can be more consistent for four quarters.”