Cale Hooker could become a permanent fixture in Essendon’s forward line next season.

The 2015 Crichton Medalist enjoyed a strong start to the year in defence before the coaches asked the All-Australian defender to start kicking goals, instead of stopping them.

Hooker was hesitant to switch positions, but began to enjoy the move later in the season and has not ruled out staying there full time.

“It’ll come down to what the new coach wants, and how he sees it and it depends on what happens with Jake Carlisle and any potential recruits,” Hooker told 3AW.

“I’m open to wherever the team wants me to play.”

Hooker believes he found some consistency in his kicking style after working closely with forward coach Nathan Bassett and goal kicking coach Matthew Lloyd.

His dedication reflected on the scoreboard too. He booted 21 goals from just nine matches to finish second on the Club’s goal kicking list for the 2015 season.

Hooker believes more time in front of the big sticks over the upcoming pre-season will dramatically improve his technique.

“I’m really confident that I can fix the set shot up.”

“Working with Lloydy for six weeks at the end of the season, I felt like my set shot had improved a lot and I felt in the last two or three games I was more accurate.

“I’ve been on the list for eight years and only in the last six weeks I’ve done goal kicking practice. I’ve hardly practiced it because I’ve been down in defence.

“Back in my junior days I never used to miss, so I think I can find that form again.”

Hooker and the rest of the team will return for pre-season in mid November.