Essendon coach John Worsfold insists he has no plans to send misfiring forward Cale Hooker back to a defensive post.
Hooker, an All-Australian defender in 2014, was held goalless in last week's loss to Richmond, but will line up in attack when the Bombers face Greater Western Sydney on Saturday.
Former Melbourne great Garry Lyon blasted Hooker's performance, saying he played like "he has no clue what he's doing" in the loss to the Tigers.
The 28-year-old, who is in the first season of a lucrative five-year deal, has managed just 16 goals in 10 games in 2017.
"At the moment we think that our best forward line has Cale in it," Worsfold told reporters on Friday.
"We're really pleased (with him) ... our forward line efficiency has been outstanding.
"The one game we won the inside 50s we won by 10 goals. So there's other areas of our game that we've got to improve to make sure that that forward line gets more opportunity.
"Cale's performed the role pretty well."
The Bombers are currently ranked 16th in the competition for inside 50s, averaging 46.9 a game.
Worsfold made three changes for the Spotless Stadium clash, recalling Martin Gleeson, Brent Stanton and Ben Howlett.
James Kelly (groin), Darcy Parish (calf) and Matt Dea (omitted) all depart the side that sits 11th on the ladder with a 5-5 record.
Parish will likely miss two games and resume after the Bombers' bye round, but the news isn't as good for Patrick Ambrose, who has re-injured the quad muscle that has kept him out since round five.
Matthew Leuenberger has recovered from the illness that ruled him out last week, but Tom Bellchambers was preferred to lead the ruck against the Giants after his 40-hitout performance in round 10.
"Tommy had an interrupted pre-season, so Leuey was in there through being available and up and going," Worsfold said.
"And it was up to Tommy to stay in really good form and wait for opportunities, which he did.
"Now the pressure's back on Leuey to win the spot back."
Essendon midfielder Brendon Goddard will play his 300th AFL game on Saturday. Worsfold said the 32-year-old's form warranted a new contract for 2018, but added a decision won't be made until later this season.
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