Hooker in heap protecting ball, essentially? (5)
I believe the answer is:
talon
'hooker' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'heap protecting ball essentially?' is the wordplay.
'heap' becomes 'ton' (I've seen this in another clue).
'protecting' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are held or protected).
'essentially?' says to take the centre (I've seen 'essentially' mean this).
The middle of 'ball' is 'al'.
'ton' going around 'al' is 'TALON'.
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for talon that I've seen before include "Eagle claw" , "a gripping one" , "Prey-bird's claw" , "Claw; undealt cards" , "One may be grabbing" .)