AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL
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LEETON teenager Jacob Hopper is hungrier than ever before to realise his AFL dream after he spent the week with Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants.
As part of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Academy program, some of the country's most promising under 17 players spent the week at AFL clubs to get a taste of what potentially is to come.
Riverina's zoning to GWS saw Hopper head to the Giants for a close up look at what could be his future home as soon as this time next year.
Hopper, 17, said the week was an unbelievable experience.
"It was awesome, I loved it," Hopper said.
"It's everything I want, just incredible.
"It's a bit of added motivation, knowing that can be your future is just incredible.
"It's something to relate it to now, I've got the experience to relate it to.
"It's going to make it easier to motivate myself."
Hopper has spent the year at St Patrick's College in Ballarat.
He juggled his school football with TAC Cup games for North Ballarat Rebels and also played two games for NSW-ACT Rams at the under 18 national championships.
Unfortunately Hopper's year was again hit by injury with a broken hand, and now a cartilage injury in his left knee, keeping him sidelined at various stages.
Hopper was kept predominantly to the rehabilitation group at the Giants this week but had one-on-one interviews with the Giants coaching staff.
He also got a first hand look at the latest crop of Giants arriving at the club, fresh from last week's national draft.
Hopper said he loved every aspect of being a full-time footballer.
"The whole 24-seven feel to it," he said.
"Being around others who are wanting the same thing."
Hopper will spend Christmas at home at Leeton, then have another week with an AFL club, most likely the Giants, in early January.
He then heads off to Florida with the AIS Academy.
It will be a big 12 months ahead for Hopper as he looks to chase his AFL dream, as well as juggling year 12 commitments at Ballarat.
"I just want to put my best foot forward and see what I get," he said.
