MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 02: Dyson Heppell leads Travis Colyer, Stewart Crameri, Heath Hocking, Jobe Watson and Cale Hooker in a 1km time trial during a training session at St.Bernard's College on March 2, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)


Banned Essendon player Cale Hooker has signed a five-year contract extension with the Bombers.

The long term deal is a huge show of faith in the club, with Hooker reportedly being chased by several rival clubs and turning down as much as $1 million per season to stay at the club.

He is the third suspended player to re-commit to the club, with Heath Hocking and Travis Colyer having already re-signed.

The 27-year-old has played 133 games for the Bombers since being selected with pick No.54 in the 2007 National Draft.

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