Bulldogs sniffing around ex-Lion Rhan Hooper * Scott Gullan
* From: Herald Sun
* November 21, 2009 Rhan Hooper reacts after threading a goal for the Lions. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: Herald Sun
THE Western Bulldogs have emerged as a possible suitor for former Brisbane Lions speedster Rhan Hooper.
Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade met Hooper this week after it became apparent the 21-year-old could be a steal in Thursday's national draft, given he hasn't put a price on his head.
Hooper, who has also been courted by Hawthorn and Richmond, was surprisingly delisted by the Lions despite being under contract for $330,000 next year.
While he is in dispute with Brisbane over a payout, Hooper is expected to be compensated significantly, which means he has no problem in playing for the minimum wage next season at a new club.
The Bulldogs have little room to move in their salary cap, but the chance to grab a proven talent such as Hooper for virtually nothing appeals, given their need for a goalsneak to work alongside Barry Hall in a new forward set-up.
Hooper has been training with Richmond for the past couple of weeks, although it's believed he failed to show for a session on Thursday.
His four-season, 48-game career at the Lions was littered with discipline problems. It was hoped a new environment would trigger a better commitment.
Richmond made a play for Hooper two years ago, which led to Brisbane countering with a $1 million, three-year contract that raised eyebrows.
Despite kicking four goals in Round 1 this year and two the next week, Hooper played only seven more games for the season. However, he did return after an eight-week absence to play in the Lions' two finals.
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