VETERAN Essendon swingman Cale Hooker has announced his retirement.<\/p>\n
The much-loved Bomber, who has played 219 games during a career that\u2019s spanned over a decade, informed teammates last week that 2021 will be his final year at AFL level.<\/p>\n
Hooker played the majority of his career as a defender, before embracing a switch to the forward line this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI couldn\u2019t be more grateful for the opportunity the club has given me and I will leave the game at the end of the season knowing I left no stone unturned to give the club, my teammates and the fans everything I had,\u201d Hooker said in a club statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo have been part of something bigger than myself, something that is so important to so many people, has been such a privilege and an honour. Representing this jumper is something I will never take for granted.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love this football club and I just want to thank all my teammates, coaches, staff, volunteers and all the members and supporters who have been with me throughout this journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hooker has featured 18 times this season, kicking 33 goals in his first season as a permanent forward.<\/p>\n
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