Beloved Essendon veteran Cale Hooker has announced he’ll retire at season’s end.
The 32-year-old, who has played 219 games across 13 seasons at the Bombers, informed teammates of his decision on Tuesday afternoon.
Hailing from Western Australia, Hooker made the move across the country after being selected with pick No.54 in the 2007 national draft.
He made his debut in round 21 the next year against the Bulldogs, quickly establishing himself as one of the club’s key defenders.
A dominant 2014 campaign saw Hooker win his first All-Australian blazer and finish a runner-up in the Crichton Medal. He went one step better a season later to claim the 2015 Crichton Medal.
Embracing a positional switch, the versatile Hooker showcased his strengths as a forward in the latter stages of his career to register 122 career goals.
Hooker said he was forever grateful to the Essendon family for his time at the club.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity the club has given me and I will leave the game at the end of the season knowing I left no stone unturned to give the club, my teammates and the fans everything I had,” Hooker said.
“To have been part of something bigger than myself, something that is so important to so many people, has been such a privilege and an honour. Representing this jumper is something I will never take for granted.
“I love this football club and I just want to thank all my teammates, coaches, staff, volunteers and all the members and supporters who have been with me throughout this journey.”
Senior coach Ben Rutten paid tribute to Hooker and thanked him for his contribution to the club over many years.
“Cale has given everything he can to the club since arriving at the end of 2007, and now it is our turn to say thank you,” Rutten said.
“We’d like to congratulate Cale on his achievements throughout his career at Essendon. He has brought valuable experience and leadership particularly in recent years to this group, and he should be very proud of what he has accomplished in the red and black.
“We wish Cale the very best for his future. He will always be part of the Essendon family.”
CALE HOOKER'S ACHIEVEMENTS
All Australian (2014)
Crichton Medal (2015)
Crichton Medal runner-up (2014)
Essendon life member (2017)
