We take a look at Cale Hooker's five best games throughout his 2014 All Australian season.
Round 1 – North Melbourne:
17 Kicks, 9 handballs, 16 marks, 2 rebound 50’s and 2 tackles
Cale started the season off with a bang. Showing the benefits of a strong pre-season, the defender was impenetrable in defence scoring his first major scalp by keeping Drew Petrie goalless. All the while racking up 26 disposals at a very impressive 92.3% efficiency.
Round 6 –Collingwood:
4 kicks, 12handballs, 9 contested possessions, 4rebound 50’s
Despite the team eventually losing, Hooker more than held his own in what was a dominant display. He managed to nullify the influence of one of the most powerful forwards in the competition, keeping Travis Cloke goalless.
Round 9 – Sydney:
7 kicks, 8 handballs, 4 contested possessions, 6 rebound 50’s
Coming up against a team with as many key forwards as Sydney is never an easy task. However, Hooker took it all in his stride and proved that he was up to the task. Given the job on Kurt Tippett, Hooker’s judgement and ability to read the play outshone the power forward, as Tippett struggled on his way to an insignificant three goals and four marks in the second half.
Round 17 – Collingwood:
17 kicks, 6 handballs, 6 contested possessions, 9 marks and 9 rebound 50’s
An all round dominant display by the whole team did not detract from another stellar defensive performance from Hooker. After causing all sorts of problems for Travis Cloke earlier in the season, Hooker again haunted the power forward - keeping him goalless and rendering him ineffective for the game. Cale was also important in setting up the back six and moving the ball out from defence to attack.
Round 18 – Western Bulldogs:
13 kicks, 5 handballs, 7 contested possessions, 12 marks and 3 rebound 50’s
Hooker’s composure and overall footy smarts under pressure shone in what was a closely contested game. The defender’s ability to get to the contest, put the Bulldogs’ forwards under pressure and clear the ball proved to be the difference in the final result. It was a defining performance that showed how Hooker has developed as an elite defender.
