Jacob Hopper is set for plenty of improvement in his second year as a Tiger.
That’s the word from the midfield recruit himself, who suggested his body is in far better shape than 12 months ago.
Hopper, who turned 27 on Tuesday, played 16 games after joining the Tigers from GWS on a seven-year deal.
But he didn’t play from Round 9 until Round 16 with a calf strain, with his form in the back half of the season mirroring that of his club as Richmond fell out of finals contention.
Billed as a key recruit alongside Tim Taranto – who claimed Richmond’s best and fairest in his first season as a Tiger – Hopper is hopeful he’ll be able to put his best foot forward in 2024.
“It was an interesting year. Obviously interrupted with some issues with my body which was disappointing, but I loved my first year at the Tigers,” Hopper told SEN Top End on his 2023 season.
“We didn’t have the on-field success that we were all striving for… I feel like my body is in a much better position this year, I’m feeling really good, and I’ve got a lot more work under my belt.
“And just naturally you feel more comfortable spending more time and feeling closer with the group… we’re feeling really ready to go for games this year.”
Hopper’s talent is seen through his 2021 Brownlow Medal performance when the tough on-baller gathered 15 votes in a stacked GWS midfield.
And while the Tigers aren’t tipped for much in 2024, Hopper’s resurgence could similarly resemble that of Adem Yze’s men.
CEO Brendon Gale has acknowledged the lowly expectations on his side by saying “I think we can surprise a few”, and Hopper has an alike belief.
Yze came from Melbourne to replace Damien Hardwick and while he’s got big shoes to fill, Hopper says the 46-year-old has certainly made a strong start.
“His ability to connect the group, not only to himself but with each other has been really recognizable, I’ve really felt that from the moment he stepped through the door,” he said.
“He’s just a great bloke, great character and more of the footy stuff, he’s super aggressive, invites us to play footy and play freely.
“I think we’re still figuring it all out but at the minute it feels really good, it feels like we’re going to play some good footy and we’re looking forward to the chance.”
The Tigers have a difficult start to the 2024 season, facing Gold Coast, Carlton, Port Adelaide, Sydney and St Kilda all before Round 5.