CALE Hooker is a forward so questions about whether the Bombers might be tempted to throw him into defence are wasted, according to Essendon coach John Worsfold.

The Dons coach described Hooker's performances in 2017 as pretty solid and was adamant the 28-year-old's form would only get better as the season progressed.

Dons' work rate below par: Worsfold

A hamstring injury delayed Hooker's pre-season meaning he only played one VFL game before going straight into the senior side for the season opener. 

He kicked three goals in that win against Hawthorn but found it difficult to get into the play last week as the Bombers went inside 50 just 47 times against Adelaide. 

Worsfold said Hooker was basically doing a pre-season on the run.  

"He is building match fitness and his understanding of his role down there," Worsfold said.

"When he is around the footy he looks unbelievably dangerous and creates a lot for us. His form will improve no doubt throughout the year."

Hooker played as a permanent forward in the second half of 2015, kicking 21 goals in nine games inside 50. He then served a season long ban in 2016.

He has kicked six goals and taken 18 marks in the first four rounds but has only recorded 33 pressure acts in the first four rounds. 

The Bombers are also contemplating selecting another player who had an injury-interrupted pre-season with Worsfold saying Tom Bellchambers was in the mix to face Collingwood on Anzac Day.

Bellchambers had knee surgery in January but he played in round one of the VFL last Saturday against Sandringham and performed well.

"He's tracking along really well [and] starting to look really strong in the contest at VFL level," Worsfold said. 

"I think he physically and mentally believes he is ready to go. We are looking at the overall context of how he will cope with a full AFL gameload. He's just about beyond that now and looking for an opportunity."