HE MAY not be your stereotypical footballer, but Andrew Hooper will attract the attention of all 16 AFL clubs and their talent scouts before the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.
The Vic Country captain may only stand at 172cm, but his leadership, courage and vision stands enables him to head and shoulders above the rest on the football field.
Speaking after Vic Country notched its second win of the 2009 NAB Under-18 Championship on Saturday – a 52-point win over the Northern Territory at Casey Fields – Hooper is relishing the challenge of playing against the most talented youngsters in the country.
“It was a good experience - playing against the Northern Territory is always interesting,” he told afl.com.au.
“They’re a quick side and we were up for the challenge – we had a good win.”
Currently playing for the North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup, Hooper has been in blistering form for Vic Country. His ability to read and set-up play across half-back or use his strength and skill in the midfield has impressed many onlookers.
“I’m going really well. I just want to keep playing consistent football,” he said.
Eligible for this years’ draft, Hooper was a member of the Vic Country side in the 2008 NAB Under-18 Championship. Despite this previous experience, Hooper acknowledges he still has areas he has to improve on to achieve his football dream.
“My endurance is an area I’m working on. I’ve got good endurance, but I still want to improve on that,” the 18-year old said.
“It’s something I have been working on all year – but in every aspect you have to keep improving.”
Hooper believes the confidence instilled in him by Vic Country coach Robert Hyde has been one of many reasons behind his sensational form.
“He [Hyde] has been just reinforcing the message of playing consistent footy, be hard at it, run and carry and take them on.”
“As I am a leader, I have to lead from the front and get the boys over the line.”
It is Hooper’s leadership around the ground that has also impressed at the titles, with the small defender thrilled to be leading the Vic Country side.
“It’s a great honour to come out and lead the ‘Big V’ – it’s nothing different for me,” Hooper said.
“I just want to get out there and play my normal game.”
Hyde is a admirer of Hooper, with his positive attitude and team-orientated play earning the respect and praise of the Vic Country coach.
“Little ‘Hoops’ - wherever we put him, he always does something,” he said.
Hooper, who is currently completing a pre-apprenticeship in building, hasn’t given much thought to draft day, and is instead focusing on letting his football do the talking.
“I’m not really concentrating on that at the moment – I’m just trying to play consistent footy up to the draft and hopefully I’m lucky enough to get drafted.”
