Cale Hooker’s signature worth more to Essendon than any free agency compensation draft pick

CALE Hooker’s name on a five-year contract is worth far more to Essendon than this year’s No. 2 draft pick.

Essendon defender Cale Hooker signs long-term deal. Picture: Colleen Petch

CALE Hooker’s name on a five-year contract is worth far more to Essendon than this year’s No. 2 draft pick.

When the 2014 All-Australian and club best and fairest winner walks through the Tullamarine doors at the end of this season, another layer of the dark cloud that has long hung over his club will lift.

His early commitment could help suspended teammates unsure about their futures reach a decision.

Hooker’s signing sends a hugely positive message about the club to the likes of Jobe Watson and Michael Hurley, whose futures remain unclear.

Not many more satisfying moments than hearing Hooksy say late yesterday that he was re-committing. Terrific person, absolute leader.

— Xavier Campbell (@XCampbell79) April 27, 2016

And while the No. 2 draft pick — which would have been received as free agency compensation had Hooker chosen Fremantle, Hawthorn or North Melbourne — is tantalising, it is no guarantee to succeed.

Hooker should be in his prime. He turns 28 in October, has 133 games behind him and 2014-15 were clearly his best seasons.

Not only is he crucial in defence, Hooker showed tremendous offensive qualities kicking 21 goals when used as a forward last year.

🔴⚫️👊🏼 #EFC17

— Cale Hooker (@Hooksy26) April 27, 2016

Key defenders with that sort of profile are worth every penny.

This is a different set of circumstances to Melbourne two years ago.

When All-Australian defender James Frawley walked to Hawthorn, the Demons pocketed No. 3 (Angus Brayshaw) in a massive boost for the club.

But the Demons were on the long road to recovery, yet again.

With an elite midfielder on the way most likely as this year’s No. 1 pick and the increasing chance that the majority, potentially all 12 suspended Bombers will return, Essendon is close to turning the first line of its famous club song into reality.