AFL: Richmond have signed Jacob Hopper on a seven-year deal after a trade with GWS
Richmond’s raid on the Giants’ midfield is complete.
Eight days after Tim Taranto joined the Tigers in exchange for picks 12 and 19, his ex-GWS teammate Jacob Hopper is joining him at Punt Road. They both accepted seven-year deals.
The Giants traded Hopper and picks 53 and 63 for Richmond’s future first-round selection and the No.31 pick this year.
Tigers ruckman Ivan Soldo was long linked to the deal but will remain in yellow and black.
A nagging knee injury that required two surgeries after the 2021 season meant Hopper played only seven matches this year for 114 overall but he promises to be a significant addition to Richmond’s flag assault.
The 25-year-old enjoyed his best season last year, averaging 26 disposals, six clearances and 12 contested possessions while being short-listed for All-Australian honours.
Hopper and Taranto give the Tigers one of the AFL’s best on-ball brigade, joining the likes of Dion Prestia, Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Shai Bolton and Jack Graham.
Richmond list boss Blair Hartley said Hopper’s arrival will benefit the Tigers immediately and for many years to come.
“At only 25, we believe Jacob’s best is yet to come, and we look forward to him continuing to build off the outstanding seasons of AFL football he has already put together,” Hartley said.
“We thank GWS for their co-operation in facilitating Jacob’s request to return to Victoria, where he completed his studies, and are pleased to have been able to find a suitable trade that benefits both parties.”
GWS has now traded Hopper and uncontracted trio Taranto, Bobby Hill and Tanner Bruhn in moves that should ease the salary stress the Giants have long been under.
They have already brought in fringe Demons forward Toby Bedford and want to bring in star Hawk Jaeger O’Meara, who is also of interest to Fremantle.
The Giants also traded for pick one as part of the extraordinary mega deal that went through on Monday and included North Melbourne, Port Adelaide and West Coast.
They are armed with selections 1, 15, 18, 19, 31, 57 and 61 in this year’s draft.
“We’re pleased to add another future first-round draft pick to add to what is an incredibly strong draft hand across both this season and next,” GWS list manager Jason McCartney said.
“This deal helps us bring in some more young talent and balance our list to reset for a big 2023 and beyond.
“Jacob has been part of building our club to where we are today, and we thank him for his contribution to the Giants over the past seven seasons.”
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