Academy essential for Riverina: Hopper

Leeton’s Hopper — a contender to be No.1 pick — and fellow top-10 hopeful Matthew Kennedy will fall in the Giants’ lap this year, a bonus magnified by the thin draft depth.

But Hopper said “Dad ran the Auskick back home and I was playing footy since I could walk pretty much”, while he has had limited involvement with the academy.

The tough midfielder was placed in the GWS system at the end of 2013 but then moved to St Patrick’s College in ­Ballarat.

He is vice-captain at St Pat’s, plays TAC Cup for North Ballarat and lined up in one NEAFL game for the Giants reserves this month.

Hopper is also captain of NSW/ACT and led them to victory against Northern Territory with 29 disposals and 10 clearances on Saturday.

Sydney’s Isaac Heeney has said he would have been lost to rugby league if not for the club’s academy.

“I think the academy is really important, especially back home in the Riverina because we’re so isolated,” Hopper said.

“I’ve got a younger brother (Sam) who’s going through the Giants academy system now, so I think it’s really crucial for the growth of our game in the northern states.

“To have those resources for young kids starting at under 12s, it gives extra exposure and allows the game firstly to be seen and then played.”