Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

[LostDoggy]

Mark Stevens
From:Sunday Herald Sun
September 11, 2010

THE Western Bulldogs were not exaggerating when they declared first-gamer Andrew Hooper was worth the risk for some spark.

Hooper, all 172cm of him, had just five disposals last night - but he had a giant influence.

In the final 30 seconds of the second term, with Sydney seemingly in control, Hooper led out and received the slightest of pushes in the back.

The first finals debutant in 25 years gleefully took the free and wobbled a goal through from 40m.

He produced one of the celebrations of the year, fisting the air with the confidence of a 200-game veteran.

It was infectious.

Link

[KT31]

Re: Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

It was infectious , I punched the air from 600klm away.

[angelopetraglia]

Re: Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

Courage to play him first up in a final. IMHO it was the difference. Hooper kicking that goal before half time was the spark that got us going.

[KT31]

Re: Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

Courage to play him first up in a final. IMHO it was the difference. Hooper kicking that goal before half time was the spark that got us going.

Agree totally and cerrtainly proves what a differance taking a chance makes.

[boydogs]

Re: Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

Agree totally and cerrtainly proves what a differance taking a chance makes.

Absolutely. Just the fact you are taking a chance and trying something different creates hope

[AndrewP6]

Re: Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

I might be the September Grinch, but I think Stevo has overstated Hoops' influence. Yes, the goal provided a great spark, but other things improved to get us back in the game and then in front. I thought it was a reasonable 1st game, but that's all. Here's hoping he backs up next week and has another good crack at it.

[The Coon Dog]

Re: Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

Player number 944 since we entered the league in 1925.

[KT31]

Re: Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

I might be the September Grinch, but I think Stevo has overstated Hoops' influence. Yes, the goal provided a great spark, but other things improved to get us back in the game and then in front. I thought it was a reasonable 1st game, but that's all. Here's hoping he backs up next week and has another good crack at it.

What did you want him to do , kick 6 goals and win it off hs boot ?
IMO just giving him a chance may have spurred on some players who have been below par thelast couple of weeks.

[AndrewP6]

Re: Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

What did you want him to do , kick 6 goals and win it off hs boot ?
IMO just giving him a chance may have spurred on some players who have been below par thelast couple of weeks.

I didn't say he was poor, just that Stevo exaggerated his influence.

[KT31]

Re: Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

I didn't say he was poor, just that Stevo exaggerated his influence.

Stevo may have overated his influence, but we won and IMO his selection may have helped.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

I like the kid!
I totally agree with the statements that his goal turned some sort of mental block in their minds around, and even though I would not have admitted it at the time, that was the moment I thought "We got this".
Not sure if he'll play next week but I believe it was the taser in the arse the boys needed.

[azabob]

Re: Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

I didn't say he was poor, just that Stevo exaggerated his influence.

Agree with you AndrewP6.

[Mofra]

Re: Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

The stats say he didn't register a tackle. Shame, as he seemed to chase hard all night - although I though he looked lost in the first quarter, as you'd expect from a debutant. He did get a free for which Shaggy took the kick though, and was probably unlucky a couple of times too (neutralised a 2 on 1 contest to keep the ball in our F50, something we missed all year). Hopefully he keeps his spot.

[mighty_west]

Re: Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

It was infectious , I punched the air from 600klm away.

I belted the hell out of the seat in front of me, the tips of my fingers are still throbbing, holding the icey cold longnecks afterwards eased the pain...

[mighty_west]

Re: Infectious Andrew Hooper sends Western Bulldogs wild

Courage to play him first up in a final. IMHO it was the difference. Hooper kicking that goal before half time was the spark that got us going.

Agreed, i thought that was the turning point in the game, seeing all the players run from everywhere was bloody great, it almost reminds of Hulk Hogan being totally down & out, then something clicks, he starts shaking, clenching the fists, and rises back from the dead, the spirit was back in the side.