Rhan Hooper

[Lady Lawrence]

over to you - Homer Jnr

[Homer Jnr]

I shall hunt out some stuff on Rhan soon, other than to say early reports are that he has bulked up some 5 kgs.

[The Flying Belgian]

I shall hunt out some stuff on Rhan soon, other than to say early reports are that he has bulked up some 5 kgs.

When he fronts up to training, we'll know for sure :(

[Homer Jnr]

When he fronts up to training, we'll know for sure :(

That'd be handy.

Hopefully all is well with Rhan, as he is a talented young fella, as seen in the game against Essendon last year.

After the Fremantle game last year he spoke with Jeff Farmer for at least 10 minutes, so hopefully Rhan can emulate Farmer's on-field exploits over his career.

[John]

When he fronts up to training, we'll know for sure :(

This is the first I have heard of this. Any idea whats going on?

[The Flying Belgian]

This is the first I have heard of this. Any idea whats going on?

Nope, only heard that he was AWOL last week. Haven't heard anything else.

[loyallion]

It looks like your player has walked out on the Lions:mad: :eek: I just saw it on the herold sun website.

[dlanod]

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,21145611%255E19742,00.html

:(

[Homer Jnr]

That is not good.

The door is open for a return if the passion reignites within himself. Hopefully for him, the club and the supporters, we get to see him playing again at some stage in the next 6 months.

[Jeremias]

Thats a big shame for him and the Lions.

Looked like a pretty talented young kid, hopefully he changes his mind and returns to the club.

[danielcanberra]

http://lions.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=313104
Rhan Hooper update
2:06:30 PM Wed 31 January, 2007
lions.com.au

The Vodafone Brisbane Lions Football Club advises that Rhan Hooper has ceased training with the Club for the time being citing a lack of personal motivation to continue his 11-game AFL career.

Hooper hasn’t trained with the Lions since the Club’s pre-season training camp at Runaway Bay which ended on Saturday 13 January. Rhan has told Club management that he has some personal issues to resolve which are preventing him from meeting his current training commitments.

“All Lions players are required to maintain a certain level of fitness and training throughout the pre-season so that they can compete at the highest professional level,” Football Manager Graeme Allan said. “Rhan has made the very difficult decision that he is unable to meet these demands right at this stage of his life and we obviously cannot force a player to carry on against their will.”

Allan has kept in regular contact with the 19-year-old over the past two weeks and certainly isn’t rejecting the possibility of him ever returning to the Club.

“We certainly haven’t given up on Rhan,” Allan said. “We are currently working through his personal issues with him so that he can come back one day. He is a valuable young member of our team and our door will always remain open for him.”

The Club has no intention of delisting Hooper.

[The Flying Belgian]

It is what it is. For selfish reasons I hope he plays again for us, but more importantly I hope he sorts out what he needs to and get his priorites right. Easy to forget he's 19 going on 20. Also easy to forget he's a human being first and a footballer (or whatever) after that.

[John]

It is what it is. For selfish reasons I hope he plays again for us, but more importantly I hope he sorts out what he needs to and get his priorites right. Easy to forget he's 19 going on 20. Also easy to forget he's a human being first and a footballer (or whatever) after that.

Well put.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.aboriginalfootball.com.au/feb07.html)

Hooper back in the fold at the Lions
By DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Saturday, February 24, 2007

RHAN HOOPER has ended months of personal limbo and has returned to the Brisbane Lions, but he faces the tough task of regaining his club's respect and trust.

Hooper, 19, returned to Lions training on Thursday after two months away from the club. His job now is to do some serious catch-up training before he is even ready to be considered for selection in the Lions' first 22.

He initially left the club citing a lack of desire. The club has fined Hooper $7000 for his voluntary absence.

Hooper's uncle Ian North said earlier this month his nephew would make his way back to the Gabba.

"I'm pretty confident Rhan will get back, just from what he's said to me over the past week," he said on the 5th. "We've spoken in depth about the ramifications of having even two or three weeks off. Rhan understands what's required."

Hooper played 11 games for the Lions last year and the teenager proved a revelation as a livewire half-forward, much in the mould of Melbourne's Aaron Davey.

What they said
Brisbane co-captain Chris Johnson:
"He's going to have to earn every individual's respect and trust. He won't get that until he starts training and playing hard and doing all the right things.

"He wants to come back so we are taking him up on that. We've just got to wait and see how he goes. But it's good that he has sorted it out, and he's back at training now."

Lions ruckman Jamie Charman:
"It's good to have him back. He's such a great little player you wouldn't want to see so much talent go to waste.

"We saw him yesterday when he came back to the club and we welcomed the little fella back with open arms. He had some personal issues which he has got over. He might have to do the hard yards for a while but that's to be expected and he probably knows that."

Lions coach Leigh Matthews:
"Rhan has said that he wants to resume training and the club has agreed to his request. However, he will require a couple months of serious catch-up training before he can even be considered to play."


http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/718/hoopertt6.jpg

Link (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21666763-10389,00.html)

Hooper back in action

Andrew Hamilton
May 04, 2007 12:00am

Article from: http://www.news.com.au/images/sources/h14_thecouriermail.gif (http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/?from=ni_story)


TROUBLED Lion Rhan Hooper has paid his penance for walking out on the club over the summer and will return to action in the AFLQ this weekend.
Hooper was fined 15 per cent of his base salary – about $7000 – and sentenced to several months' hard labour after abandoning the Lions' pre-season program. The talented forward's career looked over when he went AWOL for two months over the pre-season.
The Lions, frustrated at being unable to receive a solid answer on his intentions, cut off his salary.
This prompted Hooper to return to Brisbane and he was granted a reprieve after meetings with coach Leigh Matthews and football manager Graeme Allan.
However, he was told he faced a lengthy period of gut-busting training to win back the respect of his teammates and get himself ready to play.
Lions co-captain Chris Johnson said the young forward had done exactly that since returning in late February.
"When Rhan came back he was given a plan and told he wouldn't play until he'd met all the criteria," Johnson said.
"To his credit he's done that. He has proved to the guys he is ready because he has worked hard.
"While we were training together as a group he was on his own and when we finished and were stretching down, he was still out there doing extra work."
Brisbane was sympathetic to Hooper, who had struggled since his mother and sister returned to Victoria.
But he had failed to impress with his attitude to training during his first season in the AFL and was told by the Lions it was an area that must be improved.
Johnson disputes the perception that Hooper was lazy, saying it was his attendance that was the problem.
"He is a good trainer," Johnson said.
"It was a matter of getting him there to train, but once he was there he worked as hard as anyone else. He's shown everyone he knows he's done the wrong thing.
"Now he has a challenge. It (his place) was pretty much guaranteed last year, but it is a better team now and he's going to have to work a lot harder than he did last year."


http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4963/hooperkl2.jpg

[POBT]

The article highlights for me the advantage of having Johnno around. You look at the rest of the leadership group and they all have been such high achievers since virtually their introduction to senior footy. Johnno fits in the high achiever category now but I bet the "lazy", "undisciplined", "unfulfilled talent" type comments that used to be floated around about him early on are still in the back of his mind. He knows what it is like to have expectations on you based on your talent but, for one reason or another, not delivering on that. You'd have to think that is a leadership advantage for a side with so many youngsters still developing their games.

[LuckyLuke]

The article highlights for me the advantage of having Johnno around. You look at the rest of the leadership group and they all have been such high achievers since virtually their introduction to senior footy. Johnno fits in the high achiever category now but I bet the "lazy", "undisciplined", "unfulfilled talent" type comments that used to be floated around about him early on are still in the back of his mind. He knows what it is like to have expectations on you based on your talent but, for one reason or another, not delivering on that. You'd have to think that is a leadership advantage for a side with so many youngsters still developing their games.

I agree, he leads by example.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvd6bcZeKAk

Gotta love him, no matter how bad it might look!:D

[xplo]

Gee, is it just me or have the 'blame the nasty club culture/leave the poor kid alone'-merchants gone a bit quiet on the posting front since, against most predictions, we started playing and did ok?

I would have thought good, pretty competitive footy gave you more to talk about, but what do I know?
;)

[Homer Jnr]

Gee, is it just me or have the 'blame the nasty club culture/leave the poor kid alone'-merchants gone a bit quiet on the posting front since, against most predictions, we started playing and did ok?

I would have thought good, pretty competitive footy gave you more to talk about, but what do I know?
;)

The fact that some decent footy is being played means most people share the same opinions.

When things don't go so well, there are different schools of thought. Neither one is ever totally correct.

From a high ground though, it must be a good view. :)

[TheBrownDog]

The fact that some decent footy is being played means most people share the same opinions.

When things don't go so well, there are different schools of thought. Neither one is ever totally correct.

From a high ground though, it must be a good view. :)

I would have thought that the 'sheep' who remained positive and continued to back the direction of the club and its football department are now being vindicated by a positive performance on the field.

[xplo]

The fact that some decent footy is being played means most people share the same opinions.

When things don't go so well, there are different schools of thought. Neither one is ever totally correct.

From a high ground though, it must be a good view. :)

Perhaps.

Some might say you should only ever be ashamed of claiming the high ground if you're clearly standing in the valley. ;)

[Grimreepah]

Nothing wrong with claiming the high ground when it's yours to claim. It's not like the doom and gloom merchants will admit they got it wrong.

[The Flying Belgian]

Excuse me for getting all "mod" on your arses, but how 'bout we keep the thread to Rhan?

[Sherminator.]

Personally, I can't wait for him to come back into our senior side. I really enjoyed the way he was playing and don't hold anything against him for walking away from the club.

He is back now and I can't wait for him to jump back into a pocket. His pace and tackling prowess is exhilarating. I will be reading AFLQ alot more, I hope he kicks a few bags and comes back into the side next year.

Is he 19 this year?

[ZoBlitz]

If he can learn to get abit more of the ball than he'll become a very dangerous player.

[Chasing the Dream]

Was anyone else there watching the Suncoast Lions yesterday?

He was very good. Defensive pressure was excellent and he seemed to be running into some very good form indeed.

Good signs.

[LuckyLuke]

Was anyone else there watching the Suncoast Lions yesterday?

He was very good. Defensive pressure was excellent and he seemed to be running into some very good form indeed.

Good signs.

That's really good news. I look forward to seeing Hoops play again.

[Crusha]

Was anyone else there watching the Suncoast Lions yesterday?

He was very good. Defensive pressure was excellent and he seemed to be running into some very good form indeed.

Good signs.

Liked what I saw also - apart from his pace, there was a couple of occasions where a bigger bodied opponent tried to "check" him and he just rode the bumps and carried on without losing stride.
Hope he keeps it together - having his pace available will be a big asset later in the season (dare I say it.....in September).

[xplo]

Yeah, credit where credit's due. I was cranky with him, but he's got his head down and done everything you could ask since he returned.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/matthews-rules-out-picking-rhan-hooper/20073428-fab.html)

Matthews rules out picking Rhan Hooper

May 28, 2007 - 7:20PM

Fresh legs are required by the Brisbane Lions - but coach Leigh Matthews has all but ruled out picking runaway Rhan Hooper.
In fact the goalsneak will find it hard to break back into the Lions' senior side at all this season after burning bridges by going AWOL in the pre-season.
Hooper, 19, ended two months in the AFL wilderness when he finally overcame personal issues and returned to Lions training at Brisbane in February.
He was fined $7,000 but given a chance to resurrect his 11-game senior career following reconciliation talks with Matthews and football manager Graeme Allan.
But Matthews all but ruled out Hooper playing this year despite admitting the Lions needed fresh legs after last weekend's loss to Collingwood - their third straight defeat.
"If you look at the general run of the team ... we just didn't quite match them (Pies) - we are not great in that area currently," Matthews said.
"There was a lot of changes last week, we went with a little bit more grunt with the team - we got that performance but the legs weren't so good."
But when asked about picking livewire Hooper, Matthews said: "He's available for selection but he handicapped himself severely.
"He's suffering from the fact that he had two months away from preparation.
"It's probably going to wreck his whole year.
"He's missed two months training. It's going to impact on your whole year.
"But he's back within the group, he's been training for a few months, he's played a few (reserves) games and he's available for selection."
Matthews said Brisbane lacked a power runner and did not believe Hooper could provide it.
"Rhan is quick but he's not a fantastic runner," he said.
"He's got a burst of speed - power running is a combination of endurance and speed."
Matthews also played down the fact Hooper had to overcome off-field issues before returning to the Lions.
"He didn't have to overcome anything. He had to decide `do I want to play or don't I want to play'," he said.
"It took him a couple of months to decide `I want to be around'."
In contrast to Hooper, young Irishman Colm Begley appears set to return against Richmond at Telstra Dome on Saturday night after impressing in the reserves.
"He went back to the reserves, didn't sulk, went back with a fantastic determined attitude," Matthews said.
"That's why we have a lot of faith in that kid.
"He was left out, knew what he had to do and most probably will come back in."


http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/1843/hooperaj7.jpg

[POBT]

Excuse me for getting all "mod" on your arses, but how 'bout we keep the thread to Rhan?

I see those true colours shining through. ;)

[acuguy]

I really rate Hooper highly, i regard him as a hard crumber, he hits packs at full pace and takes the ball with him and either kicks a goal or sets one up. Hooper has great defensive skills as well, like McGrath, Hooper would benefit by playing next to Brown and now Clark.

[Kochie 16]

How's hooper doing in the 2nd's?

[Warwick]

How's hopper doing in the 2nd's?
Not quite as well as Hooper.

[campbell]

How's hopper doing in the 2nd's?

Really well apparently, excellent 2nd and 3rd efforts.Lots of run, wants the ball at all costs. Ya gotta love the enthusiasm.

[Kochie 16]

Not quite as well as Hooper.
Sorry, my bad.

[lionbear]

Will be intresting to see how far away he is from senior selection, would be good to have him up there crumbing around Clark and Brown.

[Sherminator.]

Can't wait for the Bradshaw-Clark-Hooper-McGrath-Brown forward, if it can ever click as one. It'd be potent.

[TheBrownDog]

Hooper has been going alright in the Ressies but nothing that demands senior selection by any measure.

Yeah he chases hard and tackles but so does pretty much every Lions player in the ressies desperate to get the nod.

Schmidt, Leuenberger, J MacDonald, Allan, Begley and Hawksley would all be ahead of him at the moment I reckon, even when you remove the doghouse factor.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://afl.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=44362) (warning - Afl.com link)

Hooper earns shock recall for Lions

7:46 PM Thu 31 May, 2007
By Laine Clark



News

Days after claiming Rhan Hooper had "wrecked" his whole year by going AWOL in the pre-season, Brisbane Lions coach Leigh Matthews has given the exciting youngster an unexpected second chance.
Hooper, 19, capped a stunning AFL return when he was one of five new faces named in the Lions team to tackle a desperate Richmond at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

Matthews appeared to have crossed Hooper's name out for 2007 after the goalsneak left Lions pre-season training for two months.

He was fined $7,000 but given a chance to resurrect his 11-game senior career following reconciliation talks with Matthews and football manager Graeme Allan when he returned to Lions training in February after overcoming personal issues.

Asked this week of Hooper's selection chances, Matthews said: "He's available for selection but he handicapped himself severely.

"He had two months away from preparation - it's probably going to wreck his whole year."

But Hooper earned an AFL nod along with co-captain Chris Johnson - back from a foot injury - as well as Jared Brennan, Colm Begley and 18-year-old debutant Chris Schmidt of West Adelaide.



http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/1494/hooperks9.jpg

[TheBrownDog]

Link (http://afl.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=44362) (warning - Afl.com link)



http://i13.tinypic.com/61n2fbp.jpg


I am starting to suspect that Leigh knew what he was doing all along. This puts alot of pressure on Rhan to perform. He'll have to play out of his skin.

[The Flying Belgian]

I am starting to suspect that Leigh knew what he was doing all along. This puts alot of pressure on Rhan to perform. He'll have to play out of his skin.

Maybe he wanted to see how he responded.

[Dr Pea P.I]

Leigh definitely knew what he was doing when he made those public statements about Rhan 'wrecking his whole year.' Hopefully, Rhan plays his guts out this week (if he makes it on the pitch). What a surprising headline - could have easily been part of the fantasy 'headlines you'd like to see' thread.

[Sherminator.]

Any chance on Hooper getting a Rising Star nomination (I love to get in pre-maturely on these kind of things, did it with Clark, so now it is Hoopers turn)?

He has 3 games to prove it, if he plays all 3, I expect he'll run and tackle until he can do no more. It'll be great if he can slot through a couple (I fondly rememer him kicking 4 goals at the TD, hope he can replicate this).

I think alot of will rely on Hooper's ability to crumb from the predictable double-teaming of Brown (We're playing Richmond, don't forget), to set up Johnson, Patfull or Clark. :o

May he play a ripper of a game, but don't steal the spot light from Shermo's 50th! ;) Or...Schnozz's debut! :p

[Grimreepah]

Any chance on Hooper getting a Rising Star nomination (I love to get in pre-maturely on these kind of things, did it with Clark, so now it is Hoopers turn)?

He played 11 games last year which I believe makes him ineligible.

[lionbear]

Good to see him back in has to work hard after the drama's of the summer am lookin gforward to seeing him in action on Saturday night extra crumber around Browny will be good to have:thumbsu:

[Vipertooth]

Link (http://afl.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=44362) (warning - Afl.com link)



http://i13.tinypic.com/61n2fbp.jpg

Damn was just about to post that link :(

here is another: http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Hooper-earns-shock-recall-for-Lions/2007/05/31/1180205418264.html

GO HOOPER!!!

[Homer Jnr]

Hooper has been going alright in the Ressies but nothing that demands senior selection by any measure.

Yeah he chases hard and tackles but so does pretty much every Lions player in the ressies desperate to get the nod.

Schmidt, Leuenberger, J MacDonald, Allan, Begley and Hawksley would all be ahead of him at the moment I reckon, even when you remove the doghouse factor.

Wow, kind of embarassing, but I suspect many were thinking along similar lines.

I am starting to suspect that Leigh knew what he was doing all along. This puts alot of pressure on Rhan to perform. He'll have to play out of his skin.

...

What a difference a few days make.

[TheBrownDog]

Wow, kind of embarassing, but I suspect many were thinking along similar lines.



...

What a difference a few days make.

I still don't think his Ressies performances have demanded senior selection. Nothing has changed.

[The Flying Belgian]

I still don't think his Ressies performances have demanded senior selection. Nothing has changed.

Except for McGrath getting injured.

[Homer Jnr]

I still don't think his Ressies performances have demanded senior selection. Nothing has changed.

Fair enough, I'm from the school of thought that we need to try a few different things given the run of losses we are in and this can't hurt, but you've seen more ressies games than I this season, thus your opinion.

There a few theories abound as to why he has been selected, but regardless, I just hope the lad goes out and performs for us.

The door is open for him to earn back some confidence from supporters and the coaching staff, lets hope he makes the most of it.

[campbell]

I still don't think his Ressies performances have demanded senior selection. Nothing has changed.

When Sherman went back to the ressies his form was poor, but he got another chance last week.

Good luck to Rhan, it shows hard work and tenacity pay off.

[Homer Jnr]

Except for McGrath getting injured.

That's helped for sure, but Johnno is back.

[TheBrownDog]

Fair enough, I'm from the school of thought that we need to try a few different things given the run of losses we are in and this can't hurt, but you've seen more ressies games than I this season, thus your opinion.

There a few theories abound as to why he has been selected, but regardless, I just hope the lad goes out and performs for us.

The door is open for him to earn back some confidence from supporters and the coaching staff, lets hope he makes the most of it.

Was the best option to fill that Ash McGrath defensive forward role. Though he has been playing more as a midfielder that floats forward in the Ressies. Be interesting to see how he is used.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big Hooper fan. I was depressed for days when I thought he'd walked away.

Hope he goes well.

[The Flying Belgian]

When Sherman went back to the ressies his form was poor, but he got another chance last week.

Good luck to Rhan, it shows hard work and tenacity pay off.

It's interesting what we expect from our guys in the AFLQ and that's to dominate. In reality the gun players who drop back almost always get tagged which Shermo certainly did. I heard him say there were just some aspects of his game that the coaching staff wanted him to work at. He obviously showed them enough application in those areas to deserve a call-up.

I'd say pretty much all of our guys work hard and are tenacious, but they're not always rewarded.

Whil e Rhan may not have been BOG for Suncoast, he's obviously showing the coaching staff what they want to see.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.gcbulletin.com.au/article/2007/06/01/5486_sports.html)

Lions name Rhan as ban is over

Nick Smart
01Jun07
COACH Leigh Matthews says youngster Rhan Hooper -- who walked out on the club during the pre-season -- has earned his spot after the small forward was a surprise call-up for tomorrow night's Telstra Dome clash with Richmond.
Just days ago, Matthews had claimed that Hooper had `wrecked' his year.
The 19-year-old's career looked over after just 11 games after he went AWOL for two months over the pre-season. He returned to Brisbane and was granted a reprieve after meetings with Matthews and football manager Graeme Allan.
But he was still told in no uncertain terms he faced a lengthy period on the training track before being considered for senior action.
Hooper was also fined 15 per cent of his base salary -- about $7000 -- for abandoning the pre-season program.
Hooper has worked hard over the past few months, and a knee injury to Ashley McGrath last weekend opened the door for Hooper's return.
Asked yesterday if Hooper had worked hard enough in his eyes to warrant selection, Matthews said: "Well, he is in the team. That's pretty obvious, isn't it?
"The position opened up in the sense that Ash McGrath wasn't available and Rhan has played that kind of small forward position. So an opportunity knocked and he was there to get a chance."
The four-time premiership coach told The Gold Coast Bulletin Hooper's speed and awareness around goal made him an obvious candidate to tackle the Tigers.
"He is only a second-year player and he is only a young man who is trying to find his way in footy," said Matthews.
"But he certainly has some leg speed, which complements the Jonathan Browns and the Mitch Clarks and those players that tend to have the height around him."

[TheBrownDog]

Nick Smart
01Jun07
But he was still told in no uncertain terms he faced a lengthy period on the training track before being considered for senior action.
"

You should never start a sentence with a conjunction, Pie Man.

Bloody uneducated Collingwood supporters. :p

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,21915681%255E19746,00.html)

Hooper's white knight to the rescue
17 June 2007 Sunday Herald Sun
Selina Steele
THE Brisbane Lions have turned to former star Darryl White to help sort out troubled youngster Rhan Hooper.

White, who retired in 2005, met Hooper recently in what will be a continuing mentoring role.
Hooper, 19, played only his first match of the season a fortnight ago after walking out on the club over the summer.
But Hooper, who inherited White's No. 33 jumper, has since shown the Lions he deserved a second chance. Against Richmond in Round 10, he repaid the faith with nine quality touches, including five inside 50s.
The performance prompted the club's hardest marker, coach Leigh Matthews, to comment: "He deserved a recall. We think he is quite a talented young player, but he didn't want to be involved for a couple of months. He's wasted half a season."
On the field, Hooper has always looked at home. It is off the field, he has struggled - hence, the SOS call to triple premiership player and former vice-captain White.
"Craig Lambert (assistant coach) approached me a while ago with a view of playing a role within the club and catching up with all the indigenous boys," White said.
"It's more about chatting to them about how they're going off the field. A lot of the boys don't feel comfortable asking for help - it can be as simple as trying to help them out with transport.
"Take Rhan. He hasn't got a licence, so he's always catching buses and trains to and from Ipswich. This makes it hard for him to get to early recovery sessions and that sort of thing.
"I know how hard it is to adjust to an AFL club - and I'm proof that a leopard can change his spots.
"It's also a chance to chat to them about life skills and stuff they might not feel comfortable about talking to the coaches.
"I'm someone who they can bounce things off and who is never going to judge them. Rhan has always been a good trainer. It was his attendance that was the problem.
"Rhan can do a lot of good things with this club, particularly when you look at where the club is going, but he's going to have to work a bit harder to get respect back."
Hooper, who played 11 games last year, was born in Victoria but moved to Ipswich as a toddler. His mother and sister have since returned to Victoria.
"There's 47 blokes on the list and Rhan has to realise everyone's in the same boat," White said.
"It will take time, but he must have something special for Leigh to have him back."



http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/7132/hooperhu4.jpg
In need of help: Rhan Hooper.

[danielcanberra]

Hooper in the Army push

7:50 PM Tue 17 July, 2007
Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network

News

RHAN Hooper has again been recognised for his impressive play with another AFL Army Award nomination.

Hooper displayed outstanding pace in round 15 by running up the ground to apply a brilliant diving spoil to stop Melbourne’s Colin Garland from taking a certain mark.

Lions fans can watch Hooper’s fantastic play and vote for him by clicking here (http://www.afl.com.au/armydefence/home.aspx).

New to the 2007 season, the Army Award aims to recognise and reward the one-percenter acts such as game breaking smothers, tackles and shepherds.

At the end of the home and away season, the AFL All-Australian Selection Committee will shortlist the 22 weekly winning acts to six nominations which will then be voted on by the public on afl.com.au. The All-Australian selection committee will then endorse the winner.

In 2007, the AFL Army Award winner will receive a $10,000 Army Experience. The award will be officially presented at the 2007 Coca-Cola All-Australian presentation dinner.

http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=47475

[lionbear]

Well deserved nomination. The way he runs players down and never gives up is a real credit to the way he is playing this year:thumbsu:

[lionsrock9]

Brilliant effort :thumbsu:

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://sportal.com.au/default.aspx/afl-news-display/brown-bag-buries-the-blues-31719)

Brown bettered his six-major haul of last week against the Demons but his individual display was almost overshadowed by effervescent 19-year-old Rhan Hooper who scored his first goals for the season after coming back into favour over the past month.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9048/hoopersq3.jpg

[konstas_87]

rd 16 2007: best game to date :thumbsu:

[Kochie 16]

rd 16 2007: best game to date :thumbsu:
Gotta agree with that!:thumbsu:

[ZoBlitz]

And he's not just kicking goals, he's actually getting his hands on the ball now which he wasn't really doing last year.

[Sherminator.]

rd 16 2007: best game to date :thumbsu:
Have to disagree with you, Rd. 17 vs. Pies was his best. :cool:

[Grimreepah]

I agree Sherm. Seems to be playing more and more as a midfielder. He's covering a lot of ground and is managing to station himself about 5 metres in front of the pack. He ended up with 23 disposals and 3 goals, but he looked absolutely stuffed.

[notting18]

I agree Sherm. Seems to be playing more and more as a midfielder. He's covering a lot of ground and is managing to station himself about 5 metres in front of the pack. He ended up with 23 disposals and 3 goals, but he looked absolutely stuffed.

It can be hard when you have very little of a proper preseason.

[konstas_87]

I agree Sherm. Seems to be playing more and more as a midfielder. He's covering a lot of ground and is managing to station himself about 5 metres in front of the pack. He ended up with 23 disposals and 3 goals, but he looked absolutely stuffed.

thats the main difference, hooper was a link man last night, he worked hard to get to the HB flank when needed and actually gathered some touches.

very pleasing :thumbsu:

[lionbear]

Did Hooper's kick to 50m dropped mark run pick up and goal on Saturday night remind them of a goal kicked by a young number 33 at Carrara in his debut year in 1992?:D

[notting18]

Did Hooper's kick to 50m dropped mark run pick up and goal on Saturday night remind them of a goal kicked by a young number 33 at Carrara in his debut year in 1992?:D

That play was funny as i put it up there with the Mark Taylor "great" three grab slips catch from years back. It looks great, but only happened because he stuffed up a pretty simple kick to a leading forward/catch.

It was really good to see his desperation to fix up his error though, in the 1st half we only had 6 or 7 less errors than the pies but we seemed to have the will not to let those mistakes hurt us!

[Jubair]

I agree Sherm. Seems to be playing more and more as a midfielder. He's covering a lot of ground and is managing to station himself about 5 metres in front of the pack. He ended up with 23 disposals and 3 goals, but he looked absolutely stuffed.

yeah he played the same way when playing for Ipswich, he played more as a winger there but really tore opposition apart with his speed and delivery into leading forwards which he has been showing so far this yr in recent games. Can play well as a linkman as stated in an earlier post.

[TheBrownDog]

Nice article from Inside Football.


HOOPER'S MANY HAPPY RETURNS
RUSSELL HOLMESBY 01/08/07

Link to original article. (http://www.insidefootballonline.com/holmesby_01082007.html)

Rhan Hooper figured he would be consigned to QAFL football this year after his headline-grabbing decision to turn his back on an AFL career before the season started.
“Actually I didn’t think I was going to get a game this year,” Hooper said.
“I thought I would have been in the ressies all year, but I was lucky to sneak through so hopefully I’m not going to stuff up the opportunity that I’ve got.”
Hooper’s lightning pace and ground skills were part of a razor-sharp Brisbane attack that humbled Collingwood last Saturday night and saw him win a career-best 23 possessions.
He booted three goals and had the chance to secure an even bigger haul.
“I actually could have snagged six, but 50 per cent is OK – anything lower would have been a disappointment,” he said.
“The past couple of games I’ve been working on my running and getting to every contest.”
In a refreshingly frank look at his own situation, Hooper said coach Leigh Matthews had not given him any assurances when he returned to the club from his self-imposed exile.
“It was just a case of working from the bottom again,” he said. “I had to have a second pre-season to make up for the one I missed.
“It’s not that hard when you are doing it with a group of boys, but it is hard when you are doing it by yourself because you don’t have your teammates pushing you along. Hopefully I pushed myself hard enough.”
While he is improving each week he realises that things could have been even better.
“I figure if I have a good pre-season, which I missed at the start of the year, just imagine what I could have done towards the end of the year,” Hooper said.
Now he is loving his football and being part of a surging Lions side.
“It sort of clicked when I started getting fit and getting more opportunities to get to the contest and get my hands on it,” he said.
He lit up the MCG last week and was thrilled to play at football’s home.
“Actually the last time I was here I was 10,” Hooper said. “So the ground has changed a fair bit.
“It was awesome – it didn’t have a slippery surface like Telstra Dome, but Telstra is pretty good too because it is usually nice and dry.
“We were lucky with a nice night and no rain.”
Hooper knows that it could have so easily disappeared down the drain for him had he not returned to the club when he did.
“I’m just stoked with the past couple of games,” he said. “I’ve pulled a few good moments out and hopefully that will keep going until the end of the year.
“Hopefully I’m the lucky one getting a second chance. Not many people get that and hopefully I won’t let them down.”
And the turnaround could even culminate in some finals action.
“Why not dare to dream, mate,” Hooper said.

http://www.insidefootballonline.com/images/AFL%20Round%2017%20-%20Collingwood%20v%20Brisbane%20(LC)%20608.jpg

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=48534)

Matthews mulls Hooper's 'pre-season'

10:47 AM Fri 3 August, 2007
By Laine Clark

AS SATISFYING as exciting youngster Rhan Hooper's AFL comeback has been, Brisbane Lions coach Leigh Matthews still wonders what might have been.
Hooper's much-publicised pre-season walkout for personal reasons set the Queenslander back so far back in the Lions pecking order that Matthews admitted that he may not pick the small forward at all in 2007.
The wily coach named Hooper in the Lions side just days later.
Hooper has since been part of a Brisbane side that has gone on a four-game winning run, keeping their slim finals hopes alive.
His 23-possession, nine-mark, three-goal effort in Brisbane's last round 93-point thrashing of Collingwood was typical of his red-hot form since his return.
Hooper's seven goals in six games is a source of pride for Matthews - and frustration.
"He spent the first half of the season doing his pre-season (because of his walkout). We've got five games to go and he's just got there," Matthews said.
"We are really pleased with what he has done in the last few weeks, but there's 17 rounds gone.
"If he had done his normal pre-season he might have been doing this in the first month of the year and we might have won a few games and we might be in finals."
But Matthews is the first to praise his young charge who only made his AFL debut last season, playing 11 games.
"He's done very well, he's been very impressive. What he's got is good long-distance stamina," he said.
"Not too many have extreme speed and that ability to cover ground.
"He is a forward who can push up forward and still get back so he's been really important."

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8531/hoopertb6.jpg

[Grimreepah]

I can't help thinking what has happened to Hooper has in fact helped him. Yes, he did miss 2 months, but he has since been working his butt off, and it seems to me his fitness and skills are well above what it would have been if he had taken the normal path.

In fact, the rate of Hooper's improvement makes me wonder whether first and second year players might not be better off going through a similar process. Obviously you don't want them walking out on the club, but maybe an extended preseason with a break in the middle is a better way to fast track a young player's development.

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/7320/hoopernz0.jpg

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/sport/rhan-wins-back-respect/2007/08/08/1186530433283.html)

Rhan wins back respect

Phil Lutton | August 8, 2007 - 4:26PM

Lions co-captain Chris Johnson says prodigal son Rhan Hooper has won back the club's respect after his stunning pre-season walkout.
Ipswich-product Hooper was one of the club's rising stars but shocked the Lions before the season bounced off in anger, turning his back on football citing personal problems and struggling with the demands of life as a fulltime AFL player.
Hooper eventually ended his self-imposed two-month exile, which resulted in a $7000 fine, but was forced to start from scratch with his fitness and prove himself to his coach and team-mates as he played his way back to the seniors.
The speedy 20-year-old forward has resurrected his career in swash-buckling fashion, having been a shining light in the Lions' impressive five-game winning streak with his tackling in the forward line and ability to sneak a goal.
Johnson, who is in line for a return from a long-term injury against Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday, admitted Hooper initially had some work to do to reclaim the respect of his peers but had more than done so with his recent efforts.
"Yeah he certainly has. He missed a fair chunk of the pre-season and that was one of the things he had to come back and do and prove his fitness to the boys," Johnson said.
"He did that at the reserves level for a while and his first couple of weeks wasn't fantastic in the seniors, but it was a good effort.
"But in the last week or two he's really done well. You can see he's getting his full fitness back, his match fitness back and it's positive for him and it's great for our side."
The reclusive Hooper is yet to break his silence about his pre-season crisis, but Johnson said the youngster was more inclined to let actions speak louder than words in demonstrating his commitment to the cause.
"He makes his own destiny when he's running and chasing blokes and tackling them from behind. You see him kick one or two goals but all the goals don't come from the ball sitting in his lap - he works hard to get those sort of goals," Johnson said.
"The guys are really appreciative of what he does running out of the forward line chasing guys down.
"I don't think it was the fact he wasn't enjoying his footy, it's just that he wasn't really committed at the time. Now it's great to see the fans at The Gabba get behind him as well. I think he really appreciates that."


http://i15.tinypic.com/52qbprd.jpg

Link (http://sportal.com.au/default.aspx/AFL-news-display/hardened-hooper-wins-over-lions-32913)

Hardened Hooper wins over Lions

8/08/2007 5:13:30 PM
Marc Fox

Rhan Hooper's enthusiasm for the game has returned, but more importantly the tackle-frenzy teenager has regained the respect of his team-mates.
Brisbane co-captain Chris Johnson has revealed Hooper's dedication since rejoining the club has won over the playing group.
His all-action style in a talent-laden forward line has been a feature of Brisbane's recent resurgence from also-ran to serious finals contender.
The 19-year-old missed the entire NAB Cup campaign as well as the opening nine rounds after walking out on the club in pre-season, citing a waning passion for competitive football.
He was eventually welcomed back into the starting side against Richmond in early June before cementing his position as the club's primary crumbing forward in the team's surprise victory over the Eagles in round 14.
Hooper's return to full fitness and form has coincided with the club's five-match winning streak, a sequence which has kept Brisbane's season alive and might yet produce an unexpected place in the competition's top eight.
And Johnson says Hooper has proved to his team-mates he deserved a second chance.
"He's loving it," said Johnson, who is in contention to replace the injured Ash McGrath for this Saturday's meeting with third-placed Hawthorn.
"He's a guy who makes his own destiny when he's running and chasing blokes and tackling down from behind."
"All the goals don’t come from the ball sitting in his lap. He has to work hard to get those sorts of goals and the guys are really appreciative of what he does."
Hooper pushed Jonathan Brown close for best-on-field against a ragged Carlton two-and-a-half weeks ago with four instinctive majors in his finest display of the year.
He has been deployed up forward alongside Brown, Jared Brennan, Robbie Copeland and Wayde Mills as part of a carefully crafted strategy by coach Leigh Matthews.
"You can just see he's getting his match fitness back," added Johnson, the only remaining player on any AFL club list to have played for Fitzroy.
"So that's a big positive for him and it's great for our side - him running down people from behind, it sort of gets people spooked."


http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7548/hooperwp0.jpg

[Ill Nino]

I can't help thinking what has happened to Hooper has in fact helped him. Yes, he did miss 2 months, but he has since been working his butt off, and it seems to me his fitness and skills are well above what it would have been if he had taken the normal path.

In fact, the rate of Hooper's improvement makes me wonder whether first and second year players might not be better off going through a similar process. Obviously you don't want them walking out on the club, but maybe an extended preseason with a break in the middle is a better way to fast track a young player's development.

</p>
Hooper was always an athlete first and footballer second. Remember that his beep test was 14 something and his obversely got some agility.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22236884-23211,00.html)

Hooper gets two weeks for striking

August 13, 2007
EXCITING Brisbane forward Rhan Hooper has been hit with a two-match AFL suspension after being charged with striking Hawthorn's Rick Ladson.
Hooper was charged with making high contact at high impact on Ladson during the first quarter of Saturday's match at the MCG.
He can accept a two-match ban, or contest the charge at the tribunal tomorrow and risk a three-match sanction.


http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5104/hooperbn0.jpg

[dmac_55]

Are those cannons i can see on Rhan?

I see it but i dont believe it... :eek:

Imagine 6 months in the gym.

His tackling will be even more brutal.

[konstas_87]

a very underrated loss for the side i reckon, has been our best tackler in the last 4-6 weeks.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=49069)

Lions to contest Hooper charge

9:45 AM Tue 14 August, 2007
for lions.com.au

The Vodafone Brisbane Lions have informed the AFL they will be travelling to Melbourne to contest Rhan Hooper’s striking charge at the AFL Tribunal tonight.

Hooper was charged with striking Rick Ladson of Hawthorn during the first quarter of the Round 19 match between the Brisbane Lions and Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday August 11 2007.
The incident was assessed as reckless conduct (two points), high impact (three points) and high contact (two points). This is a total of seven activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level Four offence, drawing 325 demerit points and a three-match sanction. He has no existing good or bad record.

The Tribunal will sit tonight from 5pm at Telstra Dome.

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/2080/hooperbq8.jpg

[TheBrownDog]

Glad we are contesting it.

Even if we can't get it dismissed entirely, we may be able to argue against the severity.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://footygoss.com/main/club_news/brisbane/view/hooper_challenge_backfires/)

Brisbane will be without in-form midfielder Rhan Hooper for the remainder of the home and away season after the AFL tribunal found the 19-year-old guilty of striking Hawthorn’s Rick Ladson.

Hooper was originally handed a two-match ban by the Match Review Panel, but the Lions elected to contest the charge claiming that contact was accidental.

Hooper has been outstanding form for Brisbane in the last month averaging 17 disposals and kicking eight goals.


Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=49130)

The Lions unsuccessfully argued that Hooper's contact with the face of Hawks utility Rick Ladson was accidental.

Hooper would have received a two-match ban with an early plea, but his season is now in peril.

The Lions are are eighth, leading three teams on nine and a half wins.

After Ladson tackled him from behind, Hooper punched the ball forward and Hawthorn's Luke Hodge took possession during their match on Saturday at the MCG.

As Hooper tried to stop Hodge, Ladson grabbed him again and the young Lion swung around.

His arm caught Ladson in the face and the Hawk was forced to leave the field with a cut under his eye.

The video evidence was inconclusive and Hooper testified he had no recollection of making contact with Ladson.

"He (Hooper) has been swung around like a rag doll," Hooper's advocate Bert Gaudion told the tribunal.

[Bobby Beecroft]

Too early for him to commence pre-season. ;)
Obviously missed a fair chunk last pre-season.
An old Monty Python joke comes to mind.......... Rhan marching by himself up & down the square!!

On a serious note lets hope Rhan is happy at where he is at.
Really is placing himself in the position to become an integral part of the side & the future.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22261006-5003410,00.html)

Hooper owes Lions plenty

Article from: http://www.news.com.au/images/sources/h14_thecouriermail.gif (http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/?from=ni_story)
Andrew Hamilton
August 18, 2007 12:00am

RHAN Hooper should prepare himself for the toughest summer of his life.
He must emerge in February fitter and stronger and with an unbending determination to play every game in 2008 because Hooper's debt to the Lions is growing. He is again not playing when he should be and when Brisbane desperately need him.
He would have terrorised Sydney. The Swans already depleted defence just didn't have a suitable match-up.
Hooper's high contact on Rick Ladson wasn't premeditated, but it was careless.
Brisbane stuck by their man, even going to Melbourne to fight the charge at the tribunal and they should be applauded for that. It didn't work and now Hooper will miss three matches not two, if the Lions don't win enough games without him, his season is over.
It didn't start until round 10 because he walked out on the club over summer and missed the pre-season. As a second year player, Hooper will come off his automatic two-year contract at the end of this season and, given the glimpses he's shown, his manager would have been within his rights to demand a juicy new contract.
But Hooper has been unavailable for 11 games this season, half the home and away season, because he was either battling to regain fitness after his summer holiday or was suspended.
Brisbane, will be equally within its rights to play hard ball. Hooper may one day be worthy of a big contract, because he is a talented player, of that there is no doubt.
He has the rare combination of pace and endurance and also has a trait not always shared by small forwards, and that is a willingness to chase and tackle.
What he doesn't share with the majority of his team mates is a willingness to help the club promote itself.
The media and marketing department would love to get the local product out there in the public eye, but Hooper flatly refuses their requests. At the moment he owes Brisbane, not the other way around.
And now, when Brisbane must get itself back amongst the points to secure a finals berth, Hooper will be at home in Ipswich watching from the couch.
Other Lions have been suspended before, Jamie Charman and Jonathan Brown both had a period as young players where their discipline sometimes faltered.
But the same pair are peerless on the training track and work tirelessly to promote the club.
At the moment, neither can be said of Hooper.


http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4400/hooperyu4.jpg

[Kochie 16]

Bullshit article! Hammo you've out done yourself again!

[TheBrownDog]

After the Geelong game on Saturdya, Hooper was assisting Richard Champion with some promotional work at The Lions Den.

How's that crow taste Hammo?

[Cousin Jed]

Already catching the Umpire's eyes with single votes for his tackling pressure and ability to find and use the ball in the Wins over the Eagles in Round 14 and the Kangaroos in round 18

[Lace Out]

Could be a regular gun for us next year.

Let's hope his head is in a happy place this off season.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22559689-10389,00.html)

Tigers in Lions' den
Article from: http://www.news.com.au/images/sources/h14_thecouriermail.gif (http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/?from=ni_story)
Mark Stevens
October 10, 2007 12:00am

RICHMOND yesterday stepped up its campaign to lure Brisbane Lions speedster Rhan Hooper with senior club officials visiting Ipswich to talk to him.
The hit-and-run visit was headed by coach Terry Wallace. Wallace, assistant coach Craig McRae, a triple Brisbane premiership player, and Tigers utility Richard Tamblyn (Tambling?) met Hooper in Ipswich last night.
It's understood the Tigers are prepared to offer the out-of-contract Hooper $500,000 over three years.
Brisbane is expected to meet with Hooper on Friday but because of salary cap restrictions the Lions will struggle to match Richmond's monetary package.


http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9184/hooperld4.jpg

Link (http://realfooty.com.au/news/news/dee-back-in-melbourne-but-not-for-long/2007/10/09/1191695909397.html)

Richmond football director Greg Miller flew to Brisbane last night to talk to small forward Rhan Hooper about a shift to Punt Road.

Piss off Richmond. Develop your own players!!!!!!!!!!!:mad:

[TheBrownDog]

Link (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22559689-10389,00.html)

Piss off Richmond. Develop your own players!!!!!!!!!!!:mad:

Show some loyalty Rhan.

[Grimreepah]

It seems to me that Richmond's offer is a good way for everybody to lose. Richmond may lure him, but if they are paying excessive money to do so then it is to their own disadvantage. The Lions would obviously lose if he departed. I suppose Hooper would be happy being paid a shitload of money, but it's not necessarily a good thing for a young fella, he's got to relocate to another city, and he would be playing for a team that is struggling.

Just bugger off Richmond, and everyone will be better off:thumbsu:

[Dr Pea P.I]

Just about every year (even in the Fitzroy days) Richmond have tried to poach a player/s from us. Bloody parasites! Really p!sses you off. Find and develop your own players - maybe it is not players you should be looking for but coaching/recruiting staff instead.

[Frank Drebin]

He wont go.

If he had issues this year with family etc and living in a big city he would hardly want to move to Melbourne.

And why he would want to play for that rabble at Punt road is beyond me.

[Lets Roar like '44]

He wouldnt wanna go after the faith Bris showed in him after he walked out, they could of easily not played him and delisted him and we'd never hear of him again.
Richmond do have some good draft picks so if they are keen, which sounds like they are, Bris could get a good deal for him.
As usual with interstate clubs, we make the player, Vic clubs come and poach them.

[TheBrownDog]

He wouldnt wanna go after the faith Bris showed in him after he walked out, they could of easily not played him and delisted him and we'd never hear of him again.
Richmond do have some good draft picks so if they are keen, which sounds like they are, Bris could get a good deal for him.


I suspect Richmond's Hooper deal involves him going in the PSD.

[campbell]

I suspect Richmond's Hooper deal involves him going in the PSD.

So that means we get squat for him.....

[TheBrownDog]

So that means we get squat for him.....

That would be Richmond's plan, yep.

You can't blame them really. They got shafted out of the number 1 draft pick by a stupid priority pick system combined with a once proud club deliberately losing games.

You can't blame them for trying to squeeze some advantage out of their first PSD pick. Unfortunately we are on the receiving end of it.

[phoenix_rise_]

Sorry guys. :o

But just to ask how cant you fit Rhan Hooper in at 500K over 3 years. The reports seem to say you cant fit that into your salary cap?

Doesnt make sense to me. Sure Lappin, Black and Jono Brown would cost alot but you have a team full of young players now who I thought would be on reletively small contracts leaving some space. Its only 170k odd a year.

[emperor]

That would be Richmond's plan, yep.

You can't blame them really. They got shafted out of the number 1 draft pick by a stupid priority pick system combined with a once proud club deliberately losing games.

You can't blame them for trying to squeeze some advantage out of their first PSD pick. Unfortunately we are on the receiving end of it.

Miller is trying to squeeze everything he can out of our position. He is doing a pretty good job at it too.

but surely you guys could fit Hooper in somewhere...I really rate him.

[Grimreepah]

Sorry guys. :o

But just to ask how cant you fit Rhan Hooper in at 500K over 3 years. The reports seem to say you cant fit that into your salary cap?

That's a lot of money! Good list management is about paying players what they are worth, and while I have high hopes for Hooper, I wouldn't have thought he has earnt those kind of dollars just yet.

Despite what the journo says, I suspect there is room in the cap, it's more an issue of whether you want to pay more for a player than what he is worth. I imagine the Lions will up their offer a little, explain to him the realities of the salary cap, tell him that the Lions are going places and Richmond are going nowhere:p, preach the virtues of loyalty, get Johnno and Whitey to have a word with him, and hope he stays.

If he did leave I'd be very disappointed.