Indeed, just a few years later the boy in the photograph went on to make his mark as undoubtedly one of the most aggravating taggers in the competition. He played a major part in Melbourne’s defence throughout the 1990s, despite starting his senior career as one of a select band of players to kick a goal with their first kick in AFL.
His name? – Paul Hopgood.
Hopgood hailed from Chelsea, where he played all his junior football and one senior season, before progressing through Melbourne’s Under 19s. Renowned chiefly for his resolute play, he made his senior AFL debut in Round Four, 1993, and although often curtailed by injuries, notched up 113 games for Melbourne before retiring in 2000.
Hopgood’s involvement in the game continues to this day. As well as being named joint winner of the Australian Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year award in 2004, he coached the Mt Eliza Redlegs – original club of new recruit Nathan Jones - to a premiership in 2005 in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean FL competition.
As their name suggests, the Mt Eliza side shares the colours and theme song of the Melbourne Football Club. Given the background of their senior coach, it is a most appropriate affiliation.
