Essendon is pleased to announce defender, Cale Hooker, has agreed to a new multi-year deal with the club.

Cale’s decision to re-sign for a further three years comes off the back of his impressive season in the backline.

The 24 year-old said the decision to remain a Bomber was an easy one.

“I’m really pleased to have re-signed for a further three years with the football club,” Hooker said.

“We have a really solid defensive unit and I think that’s not only helped myself but also the guys in the backline play some really consistent football this season.”

“I’m looking forward to the next three years, I’ve got a lot of good mates here at Essendon and we believe if we continue to work hard, perform consistently at the level we know we can, then we can achieve the success we all crave.”

Essendon assistant coach, Sean Wellman, said Cale had enjoyed his most complete season to date.

“Cale has worked really hard on all aspects of his game, and as a result he’s played some of his best football, he’s starting to emerge as the defender we know he can be,” Wellman said.

“I think the most pleasing aspect of Cale’s game is his confidence to leave and beat his man in a contest, he’s also improved his ball use which has been pivotal in our transition from defence to attack.”

List manager, Adrian Dodoro, believes Cale’s best is still to come.

“Cale is a fantastically talented player and I think everyone at the club is really pleased with how he attacked this season, he’s just a terrific young man who you want at your footy club,” Dodoro said.

“Cale joins Watson, Carlisle, Heppell and Melksham to re-sign and we believe this just reinforces our players believe the club is heading in a positive direction.”