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Breaking a personal best on the bench press just last week, utility Andrew Hooper believes he is fitter, stronger and more focused than ever before.
Twelve months ago Hooper admits to not working hard enough during his post-season break and while he fought hard to turn his season around and break into the senior side, he knew more had to be done.
He decided then and there that football had to become a 365 day a year dedication, he had to be stricter in the off season and he was going to give it his all.
The 21-year-old was spurred on further with the appointment of Senior Coach Brendan McCartney who told him to focus on the basics and be as professional as he can.
Despite a minor set-back suffering osteitis pubis during the Dogs pre-season campaign, Hooper has adopted that advice both on and off the field and is already seeing results - lower skinfolds and a number of strength and power personal bests in the gym.
“I think I have turned that around a lot - losing skinfolds and being a lot fitter this year,” Hooper said.
“You have to be professional about it and have good habits all the way through the year - during the off season and the on season.
“I am always looking at improving - you don’t want to be happy at where you are at, you always want to improve and figure out what your weaknesses are to make yourself a better player.”
While featuring predominantly in the forward line for the Bulldogs last year, Hooper is embracing the return to defence for VFL affiliate Williamstown - a position that he dominated during his junior playing days.
Known for his pressure acts in the forward line Hooper believes his stint in defence is not only developing his intensity but also adds a versatility to his game being able to play at both ends of the ground.
“I was looking forward to it before I moved down into the back line because that is where I played in my juniors,” he said.
“The pressure acts do have to increase being down in the backline. As a defender you always have to tackle and put your opponent under pressure - it brings it out in a different scenario.
“I do miss kicking goals - a few goals is always nice.”
The main focus this season has been on nullifying the opposition’s small forwards and working on his delivery out of the backline as well as using his pace to his advantage.
“I think I need to do the basics to focus on getting into the best position in defence and really focus on being tight and my ball use running out of the backline, because your target down the field is really your main focus,” he said.
“My role has been to play on the small zippy forwards and to use my pace as one of my strengths running out of the backline.”
As well as developing his own game Hooper has been looking at footy through a different lens coaching at Maribyrnong College.
“I am coaching at Maribyrnong College twice a week - taking on the responsibility of coaching by myself sometimes, it is really good to have that experience with the young kids,” he said.
“Having that responsibility and helping them become good players - they are coming a long way in improving their skills.”
Building his accountability as a player and in a coaching role Hooper is only looking forward.
Breaking a personal best on the bench press just last week, utility Andrew Hooper believes he is fitter, stronger and more focused than ever before.
Twelve months ago Hooper admits to not working hard enough during his post-season break and while he fought hard to turn his season around and break into the senior side, he knew more had to be done.
He decided then and there that football had to become a 365 day a year dedication, he had to be stricter in the off season and he was going to give it his all.
The 21-year-old was spurred on further with the appointment of Senior Coach Brendan McCartney who told him to focus on the basics and be as professional as he can.
Despite a minor set-back suffering osteitis pubis during the Dogs pre-season campaign, Hooper has adopted that advice both on and off the field and is already seeing results - lower skinfolds and a number of strength and power personal bests in the gym.
“I think I have turned that around a lot - losing skinfolds and being a lot fitter this year,” Hooper said.
“You have to be professional about it and have good habits all the way through the year - during the off season and the on season.
“I am always looking at improving - you don’t want to be happy at where you are at, you always want to improve and figure out what your weaknesses are to make yourself a better player.”
While featuring predominantly in the forward line for the Bulldogs last year, Hooper is embracing the return to defence for VFL affiliate Williamstown - a position that he dominated during his junior playing days.
Known for his pressure acts in the forward line Hooper believes his stint in defence is not only developing his intensity but also adds a versatility to his game being able to play at both ends of the ground.
“I was looking forward to it before I moved down into the back line because that is where I played in my juniors,” he said.
“The pressure acts do have to increase being down in the backline. As a defender you always have to tackle and put your opponent under pressure - it brings it out in a different scenario.
“I do miss kicking goals - a few goals is always nice.”
The main focus this season has been on nullifying the opposition’s small forwards and working on his delivery out of the backline as well as using his pace to his advantage.
“I think I need to do the basics to focus on getting into the best position in defence and really focus on being tight and my ball use running out of the backline, because your target down the field is really your main focus,” he said.
“My role has been to play on the small zippy forwards and to use my pace as one of my strengths running out of the backline.”
As well as developing his own game Hooper has been looking at footy through a different lens coaching at Maribyrnong College.
“I am coaching at Maribyrnong College twice a week - taking on the responsibility of coaching by myself sometimes, it is really good to have that experience with the young kids,” he said.
“Having that responsibility and helping them become good players - they are coming a long way in improving their skills.”
Building his accountability as a player and in a coaching role Hooper is only looking forward.
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