Cale Hooker entered 2019 as Essendon's second oldest player, but showed why he's still an asset, working in tandem with fellow experienced tall Michael Hurley to shore up the Bombers' defence.

Despite hamstring and calf injuries interrupting the latter stages of his pre-season, the 30-year-old returned in round four and played 17 consecutive games, finishing on 18.

He was deployed mainly in defence - 85 per cent of his possessions were in the defensive half - but also emerged a match-winner when swung forward in the dying stages against Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast.

Hooker's average of 7.6 marks was the highest in his career, placing him fifth in the competition, while he also set new personal bests for rebound 50s (77) and average intercepts (7.1).

KEY STATS 

Games: 18

Goals: 4

Average disposals: 17.4

Average marks: 7.6

Average contested marks: 1.8

Average intercepts: 7.1 

Average rebound 50s: 4.3

BEST PERFORMANCE

Hooker oozed class in his return from injury in round four.

Facing a Brisbane outfit that had won its first three games and cracked the century in each of them, Hooker was a pillar in defence as the Bombers restricted the Lions to just nine goals in a 47-point triumph at the MCG.

His stats included 23 disposals at 87 per cent efficiency, five rebound 50s and a game-high four contested marks - a mighty effort given he'd missed the entire JLT Community Series as well.

MIGHTY MOMENT

Hooker's match-winner against the Giants will go down as one of the lasting memories of 2019.

With scores level and 30 seconds remaining in the round 15 clash, the swingman juggled a mark deep inside 50 and completed the deed for the go-ahead goal, sending the Essendon faithful into raptures.

It was the cherry on top of a mammoth final term from Hooker, who was switched forward to play the leading role in the fightback.

2020 VISION 

While Essendon has a host of talented young defenders coming through the ranks, Hooker's maturity can't be understated and will again be vital in 2020.

He'll head into next season as the Bombers' most experienced player behind David Zaharakis, currently sitting just seven games shy of 200.

His pre-season prospects are positive, with no post-season surgery setting him up for an uninterrupted summer.