ESSENDON has received a major boost with star defender Cale Hooker turning his back on free agency and recommitting to the club for another five years.
Hooker was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season and had already been heavily linked to big money offers from Fremantle, Hawthorn and, more recently, North Melbourne.
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There was speculation the Bombers might be tempted to part ways with the 2014 All Australian given any free agency offer was likely to see the club compensated with a first-round draft pick.
However, Essendon announced on Wednesday morning that Hooker, who is one of the 12 Bombers serving a WADA suspension in 2016, would be at Tullamarine until the end of 2021.
Coach John Worsfold said Hooker's commitment was a boost for the Bombers after their heavy Anzac Day loss to Collingwood this week.
"It's great news and a strong reflection on Cale's personal character and loyalty, but also his belief in the club and where we are aiming to get ourselves back to," Worsfold said on Wednesday.
Hooker, 27, is the third suspended Bomber to recommit to the club, following the recent re-signings of Heath Hocking and Travis Colyer.
The West Australian won Essendon's best and fairest award last year, when he spent the majority of the season in the forward line and kicked 21 goals.
"It's awesome [Hooker has re-signed]. It was very clear that we wanted him to be at the footy club, and as we've said, we'd love to have all 12 back at the footy club next year," Worsfold said.
"But again that's for individuals to make the call. But Cale's an elite player in the competition and he's the reigning Crichton medallist at Essendon and he's a champion bloke, so it's a pretty good value to have around."
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon revealed that Hooker rang him on Tuesday night to inform him that he was staying at Essendon.
"He was respectful and rang last night and said he wanted to talk to me before he spoke to his mum," Lyon said.
"We've got a really strong relationship. And does it surprise me? No, because he's very loyal to his football club. He had a number of Melbourne clubs (interested), so I wish him all the best, he's a really good person.
"From our end, clearly our list management identified him, as did a number of other clubs. You didn't have to be a genius, did you? So that chapter is shut and we've all moved on and it never was."
Essendon CEO, Xavier Campbell, said Hooker's decision to stay was a vote of confidence in the Bombers.
“Cale is an important part of the future of our football club. He is a tremendous person, a great role model and an exceptional football player," Campbell said.
“He can see we are building a strong team under John Worsfold and I know Essendon members and supporters are extremely happy Cale will be in the red and black for life."
The Dons have now re-signed two of their six 2016 free agents, with David Myers, Brent Stanton, Tayte Pears – all among the WADA-suspended players – and Courtenay Dempsey yet to recommit.
Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell, Michael Hurley, Michael Hibberd, Tom Bellchambers and Ben Howlett are the other suspended players yet to agree to extended deals with Essendon.
Bellchambers was quick to post his approval of Hooker's new deal on Instagram.
