Essendon defender Cale Hooker has credited assistant coach Matthew Egan for helping him become an All Australian defender.

The 197cm defender played every game in an impressive season and thanked backline coach Matthew Egan, a former All Australian himself, for helping take his performances to the next level.

"I think Matty Egan coming in this year – the defensive coach – has been massive for me and also the development of the whole back group around me has made my job a lot easier down there," Hooker said at Tuesday night's awards.

Hooker called on ruckman Paddy Ryder to ignore offers from rival clubs and stick with the Bombers.

Ryder has been courted by the Brisbane Lions and, reportedly, Port Adelaide amid the ongoing fallout from the supplements saga.

"Obviously I hope he stays and I think all the Essendon supporters hope he stays, but that's up to him," Hooker said at the All Australian team announcement on Tuesday night.

"He's had a great year so we'll just have to wait and see what happens with that."

The Bombers are in talks to retain the services of caretaker coach Mark Thompson after he stepped aside for returning coach James Hird.

Thompson's potential role is yet to be defined, although he has ruled out taking on an assistant coaching position.

Hooker said the two-time premiership mentor's experience and calming influence was invaluable to the Bombers.

"I think you can put him in anywhere and he's going to be good; we just want him at the club," Hooker said.

"His knowledge and experience is so valuable and so calming on the group, (so) we want him to stay."