Tim Watson has revealed Essendon defender Cale Hooker was in hospital just days before the Bombers lost to Port Adelaide by 59 points on Saturday.
Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon admitted that Hooker looked “sluggish” during the game, in which he collected 13 disposals and took five marks.
The 30-year-old was thrown up forward because Shaun McKernan was a late out from the Marvel Stadium clash with illness.
But Watson leapt to Hooker’s defence, explaining his situation in the lead-up to the loss.
“Can I just say this about Cale Hooker, he spent a lot of time in hospital last week in the lead-up to that game,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“I think he may have only been released from the hospital on Friday.
“He had an infection in his arm around his elbow, that’s why he wore that black armguard (during the game).”
The Bombers host the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
Listen to Tim Watson’s news in the player below: