Anger on sledge by Hooker

ESSENDON star Cale Hooker yesterday dismissed his intimidation tactics on thirdgamer Daniel Nielson as “good fun” as the Bombers prepare for a finals-shaping clash against the Western Bulldogs.

Hooker kicked five goals against North Melbourne, but angered the young Kangaroos side with his treatment of Nielson.

After slotting his last-quarter goals, Hooker ran at Nielson and bullied him both physically and verbally.

A nearby umpire told Hooker to “tread the line carefully, don’t take it too far” and after the match the Kangas were privately upset.

But former defender Hooker yesterday said it was his turn to dish it out.

“There was a fair bit of banter out there, I think it was all in good fun,” he said.

“I’ve copped that a fair bit as a defender over the years, so I’d be surprised if he was too worried about that. The game was on the line and it was an important game for our season, so we were up and about.”

Hooker responded to a challenge at three-quarter time, while ruckman Tom Bellchambers also ticked off on his treatment of the baby Roos.

“I think everyone that’s out there is fair game [and] it was at a pretty crucial part of the game,” Bellchambers said.

“The game opened up a bit there and we needed someone to stand up and Hooksy stood up in the last quarter. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to lift the team at times.”