Essendon defender Cale Hooker believes the strong form of the teams back six comes down to the defensive pressure being applied by the whole side.

The Bombers currently rank third in the competition for defence with 76.2 points against per game this season.

Hooker said the defensive intensity from the entire team had played a key role in their strong defensive performance this season.

“We have been a lot more settled this year down back with Courtenay Dempsey, Fletch, Hibbo, Licka and Mark Baguley,” Hooker said.

“It has been good we have had that gel together and I think even with the whole team including the midfielders and forwards we have improved a lot.”

“As a team defensively we have improved a lot and I think it has been focus for us throughout the year.”

Hooker is in All Australian contention following a solid season across half back averaging 19 disposals and 8 marks per game.

Along with his form Hooker’s ability to provide leadership for his teammates has also grown.

“We have all been encouraged to try and talk more to be leaders on the field to try and lead the way down there,”

“I think we have all embraced it pretty well.”

“We are still looking to improve but hopefully that can be a strong point for us in the later stages of the year.”

Hooker echoed the sentiments of teammates Michael Hurley in regards to playing in a finals campaign in 2014.

“We definitely want to make finals there is no doubt about that, it hurt us to miss the finals last year,” he said.

“We have just been craving that opportunity to get out there and we will leave no stone unturned to try and make it.”