CALE Hooker can be a premier forward of the competition if the star Bomber settles in attack on a permanent basis, according to interim Essendon coach Matthew Egan.

Hooker kicked three goals in Essendon's 27-point loss to Richmond on Saturday night, taking his tally to 19 for the season.

However, he has kicked 18.17 in the Bombers' past nine games since moving forward against St Kilda in round 14.

His overhead marking, presence at the contest and competitiveness has made him an excellent target near goal for the Bombers, and Egan said he thinks Hooker could continue in the role next season despite being an All Australian defender in 2014.

Five talking points: Essendon v Richmond

"The way he's going he can definitely be an elite forward of the competition," Egan said post-game.

"I know [Essendon assistant coach] Nathan Bassett mentioned today (Hooker) was probably in the All Australian defensive side and now, if he had have played there more, he'd be probably heading to the All Australian forward line.

"He's a competitor, so if he doesn't mark the ball he's really good on the ground ball. He's watched a lot of [West Coast's] Josh Kennedy. His goalkicking's improved, so he's looking dangerous. We need two of him."

In Egan's second game in charge of the Bombers since former coach James Hird left the club, he was pleased with the team's ability to hang in against the top-four aspirants.

He said the Bombers couldn't capitalise on some of their early dominance, and that some "bad habits" remained with their ball movement that may have cost them goal-scoring opportunities.

The Bombers registered just seven majors against the Tigers, in the 13th game this season they have kicked 10 or fewer goals. 

Debutant Conor McKenna was the only small forward to hit the scoreboard in the wet conditions, with the others – the retiring Paul Chapman, Jackson Merrett and Orazio Fantasia – not threatening.

Watch Matthew Egan's full media conference here

Egan paid tribute to his former Geelong teammate Chapman, who bowed out of AFL football with 20 disposals and 11 tackles against the Tigers. 

"We spoke a fair bit during the week about 'Chappy' and we tried to make sure it wasn't about him, but we kept referencing him with the way we wanted to play and being a contested side," Egan said.

"Most of his career he's been a forward who's wanted to get on the ball. He keeps asking if he can go on-ball.

"Tonight we were probably the ones saying 'Chappy, we'd like to get you on the ball'. It's good that, in his last game, he didn't try to go and do his own thing. He played his role exactly what we wanted."

SHOWREEL: Chappy's final fling

Egan again indicated he would not pursue the coaching role on a full-time basis next year as the club ramps up its search for a replacement for Hird.

"I'm really not sure. I'm just enjoying the last two weeks. It's been a great experience for me and I'm really thankful to the club that they've given me the opportunity," Egan said.

"I think this group needs a new voice. I've been here four years and I want to stay here and help the new coach, whoever that is."