Rhan a quick solution for TigersStephen Rielly | November 05, 2009RICHMOND's ambition to add speed to its attack has led it to Rhan Hooper's door, with the former Brisbane small forward to begin pre-season training with the Tigers next week.
Hooper is due in Melbourne today, having spent the week driving south from Queensland where his time with the Lions was officially brought to an end last week in circumstances that appear destined for arbitration or even court.
The 21-year-old was contracted to Brisbane for about $330,000 in 2010 but there is now dispute over how much, if anything, he is entitled to after being delisted last Friday. His manager, Peter Whitehead, said yesterday the matter would be first taken to the AFL's grievance tribunal but stressed Hooper's priority is to start again a once-promising career that petered out this year.
Hooper kicked four goals in round one and two more the following week but played only seven more games for the season, for a return of 13.6, although it appeared to be a significant statement about his ability that he returned to the Lions side for the club's two finals after an eight-week absence.
"No one knows with any certainty at this stage (whether he will receive a second chance) but there has been interest from four clubs, Richmond among them, which is encouraging," Whitehead said. "There's a bit of water to flow under the bridge yet on his departure from Brisbane. But we're not dwelling on that.
"The priority is for Rhan to get a new home and re-establish himself as an AFL player. We're going down a certain path in relation to that (his exit) but a new football home is the more pressing issue.
"At least by being down there in Melbourne, other clubs can speak with him and learn more about him."
Hooper played 48 games in four seasons with the Lions, for 49 goals, and if he was to finish up at Punt Rd it would be an ironic outcome. It was a lucrative offer from Terry Wallace's Richmond two years ago that drew the Lions into countering with a $1 million, three-year contract they have now terminated without compensation for the loss of his talent.
The Lions could not move Hooper on in trade week, largely because of his hefty salary, the balance of which they may yet have to pay. The Tigers, or any other club, can and probably will pick Hooper up on the AFL's basic wage.
One of the Tigers' many concerns throughout the season has been a lack of ground-level speed in the forward line, something that did not help the side kick goals or bring pressure to the opposition as it was working its way out of defence.
Rookie Robin Nahas emerged, but by season-end Jake King was sent forward to help plug the leak on a temporary basis. Hooper, despite ankle and hamstring injuries this year and questions about his application, has speed, a mind for tackling and elite qualities that are now available for little more than a late draft pick and a basic contract.
Richmond football operations manager, Craig Cameron, said yesterday that the Tigers discussed Hooper when the club was working through the deal that sent Andrew Raines to Brisbane.
"We've invited Rhan down for pre-season but at this point it's to see more of him and if it (the trial) is to go anywhere he has to be comfortable with us. So, we'll see what happens," Cameron said.
"He's young, he's got talent and he's a quick, small forward and we'd like more of that type. But we can't overlook the fact he's been delisted under contract, either."
Meanwhile, former North Melbourne defender Jesse Smith started training with Hawthorn yesterday in a bid to revive his troubled career. Smith walked out on the Roos last month, frustrated with a history of ankle and hamstring injuries that restricted him to 27 games in his five seasons at Arden Street.
Smith's father, Ross, once a fine North player, is now an assistant coach at Hawthorn, which also has former Richmond ruckman Dean Putt training at Waverley Park in the hope of a second chance.
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