Hooper to have vital lions role

Lee Gaskin | 10th October 2009

RUMOURS, speculation and innuendo were just that as Ipswich's Rhan Hooper survived the AFL trade axe, keeping him at the Brisbane Lions in 2010.

When the dust settled on the week-long trading period yesterday the Lions emerged as the competition's major players, securing a host of recycled players.

Brisbane's starring deal was left to the final day, with controversial Coleman medallist Brendan Fevola along with pick 27 acquired from Carlton in exchange for 19-year-old key position player Lachlan Henderson and selection 12 in this year's draft.

Fevola will join fellow all-Australian Jonathan Brown in what will be the league's most potent forward line.

There remains room for crumbing forward Hooper to become the team's third option at goal and, more importantly, to contain opposition defenders in the attacking 50.

After four years and with 48 games to his credit, 21-year-old Hooper (pictured) will be expected to take his game to the next level as the Lions look to make a serious tilt at their first premiership since 2003.

Along with Fevola, the Lions have sacrificed youth in favour of a host of seasoned campaigners.

The addition of West Coast key defender Brent Staker, Sydney Swans 2005 premiership midfielder Amon Buchanan, injury-plagued St Kilda winger Xavier Clarke and Richmond half back flanker Andrew Raines signal Michael Voss' intention to make a run at the title.