Rhan's at home cheering on mates | Ipswich AFL | Aussie Rules in Ipswich

Brisbane Lions AFL player Rhan Hooper and his girlfriend Penny Thompson cheer on the Ipswich Eagles at Limestone Park.

Damian Dunlop

WHEN you're one of the AFL's most exciting players and receive a rare weekend off, how do you relax?

Do you go fishing, head to the beach or chill out at home?

For Brisbane Lions speedster Rhan Hooper, it's a simple decision - head to the local footy.

The brilliant utility player spent Saturday afternoon cheering on his former Ipswich team-mates and catching up with friends at Limestone Park.

Looking at ease and being worshipped like a sporting hero, Hooper smiled, laughed and waved to the many well-wishers who instantly recognised him.

The Brassall-based sportsman enjoyed a quiet afternoon watching from the clubhouse veranda and chatting to a long line of appreciative fans.

“It's just good to be come down here and watch a bit of footy,” Hooper, 20, said.

“We've been given three days off and I'm supposed to be keeping my mind off footy but there's nothing more relaxing than being a spectator again.”

Accompanied by girlfriend Penny Thompson, Hooper clapped and offered encouragement to the Ipswich teams playing Logan City.

His welcome return revived memories of his teenage days playing with the Ipswich Cats and Eagles.

“It's good to get down here and see some old team-mates,” the popular visitor said.

“When we moved up from Melbourne into Ipswich, the first thing we did was to look for an AFL club. The Cats was the only one.

“I was 14 when we started here.”

It didn't take Hooper long to impress as he progressed into the Ipswich Eagles senior side.

In 2006, he was snapped up by the Brisbane Lions.

Hooper had a rare opportunity to unwind on Saturday due to the Lions split round AFL bye.

“We just want to stay off the legs and come back and train the house down for next week's game,” he said.

Hooper said he was keen to regain peak fitness after struggling for four weeks with an ankle injury.

“Coming back, I had to try and get my fitness back that I had in round one,” he said.

“I'm trying now to find that consistency.

“I had that one good game - my first game back against North Melbourne (kicking an AFL career high four goals) - and I'm trying to link them (good games) all together.”

Having played 44 AFL matches, Hooper conceded the ankle problem was still playing on his mind.

“It's the biggest injury I've ever had actually,” he said.

“I wouldn't have cared if it was an arm or a finger but when it's a leg, you've got to stay off it for so long and you can't really train on it.”

TOMORROW: Why Hooper enjoys being a role model.