What is Cale’s contract status?

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’s clash with Sydney.

The 32-year-old is Essendon’s 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.

Bombers coach Ben Rutten recently told reporters that the club remains undecided whether Hooker will play on in 2022.

“I think they may have moved a little bit on that (new contract),” Watson told SEN Breakfast.

“But he (Hooker) hasn’t been setting the world on fire with his play. The fact that (Aaron) Francis is now available to play, that probably changes that.

“I think they’re probably going to offer him (Hooker) another year.

“But when you get into the twilight of your career and you get dropped, the alarm bells start to go off.”

The veteran Bomber and 2014 All-Australian has played 219 games since debuting in 2008.

– BY ALEX ZAIA/ SEN