- Rhan Hooper
Infobox afl player
firstname = Rhan
lastname = Hooper
| birthdate = birth date and age|1988|9|1|df=y
birthplace =Charleville, Queensland
originalteam =Ipswich Eagles (QLD)
heightweight = 177cm / 72kg
dead = alive
deathdate =
deathplace =
debutdate = Round 2, 8 April 2006
debutteam =Brisbane Lions
debutopponent =Essendon Football Club
debutstadium =Brisbane Cricket Ground
playingteams =Brisbane Lions (2006)11 games, 9 goals
coach = notcoach
coachingteams =
statsend = 2006
careerhighlights =Rhan Hooper (born in
Charleville, Queensland 1 September 1988) is anAustralian rules football player for theBrisbane Lions . Hooper is known for his blistering pace and hard tackling.Hooper is an
indigenous Australian (Murri) who was recruited from Ipswich inQueensland and wears the number 33 Guernsey made famous by his idol, indigenous playerDarryl 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. [ [http://www.aboriginalfootball.com.au/feb06.html New Lion has a big jumper to fill] ] Hooper spent some time inMelbourne as a teenager where he was first exposed toAussie Rules by one of his sports coaches before returning to live in Ipswich, arugby 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 rookieAaron 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 the2006 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. [ [http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,21146305-23211,00.html Hooper leaves Lions' den] from news.com.au] Hooper returned to the senior side with a renewed commitment in June 2007, returning in round 10. [ [http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21238490-5003410,00.html Lion wants back] from couriermail.com.au]Highlights of Hooper's season in 2007 were:
* A2007 AFL Army Award nomination in round 10 for a match saving chase-down and tackle against theRichmond Football Club in round 10
* 5 crucial tackles againstMelbourne Football Club in round 15
* Bag of 4 goals againstCarlton Football Club in round 16 [ [http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,22116664%255E19746,00.html Herald Sun Footy Story Page ] ]Hooper was suspended by the AFL for 3 matches for striking
Hawthorn Hawks playerRick Ladson in Round 19 after contesting a 2 match ban. [ [http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22236790-2722,00.html Rhan Hooper faces suspension] from the Australian]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
External links
*Brisplayer|ref=358849
*AflRleague|ref=R/Rhan_Hooper.html
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