ESSENDON great Tim Watson understands that out-of-contract Bomber Cale Hooker is a chance to earn a new deal, despite being dropped for Saturday night\u2019s clash with Sydney.<\/p>\n
The 32-year-old is Essendon\u2019s leading goalkicker with 33 majors, but his form has dipped after a strong start to the year, kicking four goals in the last six weeks.<\/p>\n
Bombers coach Ben Rutten recently told reporters that the club remains undecided whether Hooker will play on in 2022.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think they may have moved a little bit on that (new contract),\u201d Watson told SEN Breakfast.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut he (Hooker) hasn\u2019t been setting the world on fire with his play. The fact that (Aaron) Francis is now available to play, that probably changes that.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think they\u2019re probably going to offer him (Hooker) another year.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut when you get into the twilight of your career and you get dropped, the alarm bells start to go off.\u201d<\/p>\n
The veteran Bomber and 2014 All-Australian has played 219 games since debuting in 2008.<\/p>\n
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