Rhan Hooper

Rhan Hooper (born in Charleville, Queensland 1 September 1988) is an Australian rules football player for the Brisbane Lions. Hooper is known for his blistering pace and hard tackling.

Hooper is an indigenous Australian (Murri) who was recruited from Ipswich in Queensland and wears the number 33 Guernsey made famous by his idol, indigenous player Darryl White. He is also a cult figure in Brisbane, and the cry "Hoo-per" can sometimes be heard throughout the 'Gabbba whenever he takes possession.

Background

Hooper, an indigenous Australian (Murri) was born in Charleville, before moving to Cunnamulla. Hooper spent some time in Melbourne as a teenager where he was first exposed to Aussie Rules by one of his sports coaches before returning to live in Ipswich, a rugby league stronghold where he attended the Bundamba State Secondary College and continued to play Australian football with the Ipswich Eagles, impressing talent scouts with his dashes of blistering pace and ability to pick the ball up at full speed, in similar mould to Demons rookie Aaron Davey, who had surprised the league a year earlier. Picked at number 41 in the 2005 National Draft, Hooper took very little time to break into senior AFL level, with an exciting performance in the 2006 NAB Cup.

Debut Season

He debuted in the premiership season showing plenty of pace, kicking a goal in his first game and racking up an impressive 7 tackles.

2007 Season

It was revealed in Late January 2007 that Hooper had lost his enthusiasm for the work involved in being a professional football player. Coach Leigh Matthews stated that the club had been working with Hooper to resolve any issues but had stopped paying him wages in the interim. Hooper returned to the senior side with a renewed commitment in June 2007, returning in round 10.

Highlights of Hooper's season in 2007 were:

• A 2007 AFL Army Award nomination in round 10 for a match saving chase-down and tackle against the Richmond Football Club in round 10
• 5 crucial tackles against Melbourne Football Club in round 15
• Bag of 4 goals against Carlton Football Club in round 16

Hooper was suspended by the AFL for 3 matches for striking Hawthorn Hawks player Rick Ladson in Round 19 after contesting a 2 match ban.

Positions

Rhan Hooper has ability to play many positions due to his speed, agility and his tackling skills. He can play as Forward Pocket, Half Forward Flank, Rover, Wing, Half Back Flank and Back Pocket.

References

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