Essendon defender Cale Hooker is confident the club’s back line has ‘settled’, following the move of versatile utility Jake Carlisle to the forward line.
“The back six is definitely a lot more settled now with the likes of Hibberd and Baguley (there) and we’ve played together for a few years now which really does make a big difference,” Hooker said.
“We’ve learned how each other runs and plays which I definitely think helped in settling us.
“To be honest, I was spewing when they sent Jakey (Carlisle) up forward, because I love having him down back with me, but he really has been great up forward. He has been training really well there.”
Off the back of the Bombers’ 39-point win over North Melbourne on Friday night, Hooker revealed there was a level of anxiousness from the playing group before the game.
“We were a bit anxious going in to the game because you never know what to expect with Round 1,” Hooker said.
“But to get the win, and especially for Fletch with his terrific milestone, was pretty special. All the players knew how important it was, and we all have so much respect for him.
Hooker, speaking with Radio Sport National yesterday, praised a rejuvenated Mark Thompson who now sits in the coaches box for the first time since his days at the helm with Geelong.
“Bomber has been great, he’s very composed – he’s done it all so I don’t think too much rattles him. The players really feed off his confidence and he’s great for the game,” Hooker said.
“But Jobe has also been unbelievable for the players. He’s taken a lot of the brunt for all the off-field issues and I don’t know how he does it sometimes. He has been exceptional.”
The Bombers face reigning premiers Hawthorn in a blockbuster clash on Friday night at Etihad Stadium. Hooker said the players were ready for the challenge.
“While Buddy was a terrific player for them, Hawthorn obviously still have some pretty dangerous players at the moment so I know we’ll be on our toes.”
"It's going to be a big night for the club so we hope to see as many of our supporters as we can at Etihad Stadium wearing red and black and cheering on the boys."
