Cale Hooker says he’ll be looking to continue to build upon the Club’s culture throughout 2017.

The Crichton Medal winner was named Vice-Captain of the Club on Wednesday.

Hooker joins six teammates in the leadership group and he said a key focus would be to continue the progress made last year.

“We’ll be trying to drive a really strong culture which the boys have been developing last year and we’ve been working on this year,” Hooker said.

“There is obviously a little bit of extra responsibility, but I see my job as driving the culture of the group.

“It’s tracking really well so far and that will be my big goal to keep driving that.”

Hooker has played 133 games for Essendon since making his debut in 2008.

Brendon Goddard and Jobe Watson provide the most experienced heads in the seven-man leadership group.

Joe Daniher and Zach Merrett are still in the early stages of their careers, while All-Australians Michael Hurley, Dyson Heppell and Hooker have been consistent performers for a number of seasons.

“It’s a really good mix of positions and age demographics, so it’s going to be really exciting,” he said.

“It’s obviously a great privilege, I’m pretty excited to be one of the Vice-Captains, and it’s a great responsibility and a challenge I’m really looking forward to.

“It’s a great make-up of the leadership group and it’s really exciting for the club.

“You’ve got BJ and Jobe who are the older guys who will still have a big say in how things go, you’ve got Hep who really stands out as a leader and Zach Merrett, Joe Daniher and Michael Hurley to round it out.”

Hooker said the esteem Heppell is held in by the rest of the playing group makes him the perfect fit for Captain.

“He’s very resilient, he’s shown great leadership from the moment he stepped in the door,” Hooker said. 

“He’s got all the respect of the players, so I’m really looking forward to playing under his leadership and there is some exciting times ahead for the footy club.”