Essendon’s increased options in front of goal is one of the pleasing aspects to emerge from the first four games of the season, according to Scott Lucas.

The Bombers are ranked ninth for goals scored this year.

In 2016, the side was ranked 18^th.

Orazio Fantasia leads the way with ten goals, followed by Joe Daniher (9), Cale Hooker (6) and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (6).

On eight occasions this season, an Essendon player has kicked three or more goals in a match. 

Those eight occasions are made up of six different individual players.

Dons with three or more goals in a game in 2017: 

Round One v Hawthorn

Orazio Fantasia (four goals)

Joe Daniher (three)

Dyson Heppell (three)

Cale Hooker (three)

Round two v Brisbane

Orazio Fantasia (five)

Joe Daniher (three) 

Round four v Adelaide

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (four)

Travis Colyer (three) 

“Different players have kicked multiple goals, so there are good goal scoring options,” Lucas said.

“Walla got four [goals] on the weekend, Colyer played really well and got in behind the backline to kick three goals himself – so the goal scoring options are there.

“They’re just not getting enough entries so they need to get the ball in quicker, win more clearances and then also when the ball is coming out against a team like Adelaide, [provide] elite forward pressure.”

Essendon are ranked 17th for inside 50's and 14th for clearances.

Hooker, an All-Australian defender, has played in the forward line throughout the first four matches.

He performed a similar role in the final ten games of the 2015 season and booted 21 goals on his way to winning the best and fairest.

But after missing the JLT Community Series ahead of the start of this season Lucas said Hooker would need time to grow into his role.

“He’s really in his pre-season matches at the moment, add to that a new position and also a new team with the way they move the ball,” he said. 

“There is a lot to learn for him … he’ll be much better with those four games behind him and certainly have a much better second half of the year than the first half as he gets his body going again. 

“It’s all good there and what he is doing is he’s competing really well and he’s taking some pressure off Joe Daniher.

“Joe is able to get more one-on-ones so they’re working well as a team … it’s just I’m sure Cale would like to be getting more of the ball himself.” 

The Bombers next match is the ANZAC Day blockbuster against Collingwood on Tuesday.