Introduction Livewire forward Rhan Hooper burst onto the AFL scene in 2006 as a goal-sneak who revelled in applying tackling pressure to opposition defenders. The speedy Ipswich recruit has been known to play effective roles in the midfield but remains most dangerous in front of goals. Background • Hooper lived in the remote Queensland towns of Charelville and Cunnamulla before moving to Melbourne. He then returned to Queensland and settled in the traditional Rugby League stronghold of Ipswich. • He played tee-ball and softball until his tee-ball coach suggested he try AFL which quickly became his game of choice. • After choosing to focus purely on an AFL career, Hooper began to rise through the junior ranks. He was selected as part of prestigious AIS/AFL Academy in 2005 and later represented Queensland in the U18 National Championships. • He caught the eye of the Lions recruiters and was drafted by the Club with selection No.41 in the 2005 AFL National Draft. 2006 • Hooper was called upon for his senior debut in Round 2 against Essendon at the Gabba and approximately 20 of his Ipswich-based family and friends made the trip to cheer him on. He collected nine possessions, laid seven tackles and kicked a goal in the team’s 18-point win against the Bombers. • Played three consecutive matches before being relegated to the Lions Reserves team where he continued his development. • He returned in Round 15 and played seven of the team’s final eight matches where he further displayed his ability to chase and tackle. • He played a total of 11 games for the season and kicked nine goals – including four against Essendon at Telstra Dome in what was the finest performance of his debut season. 2007 • Hooper’s pre-season was thrown into turmoil during January when he ceased training with the Club citing a lack of personal motivation to continue his AFL career. • He returned almost two months later determined to win back his team-mates’ respect and trust. He was fined by the Club for his voluntary absence and was forced to play catch-up to regain the same fitness levels as his fellow Lions. • With limited preparation, he nursed a quad injury for the opening seven weeks of the season before being selected for his first match with the Lions Reserves side. • Hooper showed that he had lost none of his zip and following two consecutive matches among the best players, earned his right to play seniors. • He played eight of the next ten matches with the senior team and began to repay the Club’s faith by dominating matches. • He kicked four goals in the Lions’ thrashing of Carlton at the Gabba in Round 16 and followed it up with a near best-on-ground performance against Collingwood at the MCG when he kicked three goals and amassed 23 disposals. • He became an influential member of a Lions side that was barnstorming towards the AFL finals before an indiscretion against Hawthorn in Round 19 saw him suspended by the tribunal for the remainder of the season. • Hooper was rewarded at seasons end with selection in the inaugural Queensland Team of the Year. 2008 • Despite Richmond’s best attempts to lure the services of the young Queenslander south, Hooper re-signed with the Club for three years. • With a full pre-season behind him, Hooper featured in the senior side from Round 1 of the regular season and went on to play 20 of a possible 22 matches. • He kicked 19 goals playing primarily as a forward – the fourth most of any player at the Club – and finished fifth at the Club in total tackles. • He was named in Queensland’s Team of the Year for the second consecutive season and finished equal 15th in the Club Champion award.
The rejuvenation of the Brisbane Lions side continues as the club announces more list changes Thursday, October 15, 2009 - 3:09PM
Coach Michael Voss believes honing in on a player like Carlton's Chris Judd can be a lost causeFriday, June 05, 2009 - 4:36PM
An ankle injury will keep Rhan Hooper from playing against the Sydney SwansFriday, April 10, 2009 - 5:05PM
Brendon Gale has supported the fine given to Rhan Hooper by the Brisbane Lions, confirming the AFLPA had a role in the decisionTuesday, January 13, 2009 - 4:26PM
The Brisbane Lions have suspended forward Rhan Hooper for 28 days for contract breachesSaturday, December 06, 2008 - 10:55AM
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