GWS Giants midfielder Jacob Hopper expects vicious reception from Adelaide Crows fans

The Giants will face a ‘vicious’ Adelaide crowd on Saturday night and emerging midfield star Jacob Hopper, relishing a little help from an injured star, is confident his side can continue its momentum.

Jacob Hopper says Callan Ward has been huge for him. Pic: Getty Images

Jacob Hopper is confident the Giants can tame a ‘vicious’ Adelaide crowd on Saturday night thanks in no small part to the club’s spiritual leader.

The eighth-placed Crows are next in line for a GWS side looking to make it four wins in a row.

Hopper is part of a midfield unit that is simply purring at present and the 22-year-old is relishing every moment, especially playing alongside such huge talents as Stephen Coniglio and Josh Kelly.

“I feel like there’s some really good connection and synergy in that group and I think we’re all just loving our footy and really eager to get out and play each week,” he said.

With a real focus on becoming a strong side on the road, Hopper and company now face another tough test at Adelaide Oval.

Jacob Hopper celebrates a goal against Gold Coast. Pic: Getty Images

“They’re a really good team and that crowd is pretty vicious over there but we love it and we want to soak it up,” he said.

“We’re really looking forward to Adelaide and then the next period of footy, putting ourselves in as good a position as we possibly can coming into the second half of the season.”

As for his own game, a strong pre-season and regular game time have been key for Hopper.

“Being able to be out on the track each week is something that’s helped with my confidence. I’m really enjoying my footy,” he said.

One man making a huge difference for Hopper is injured co-captain Callan Ward. He is a regular figure on the bench with an ACL injury having ended his season playing-wise.

“It’s been huge for me,” Hopper said. “I don’t think I’ve played a game without Wardy up until this season. He’s obviously the spiritual leader of the group so having him there and being able to talk to him about the game, it’s just awesome we’ve still got him around and heavily involved in the day to day and also game day.

Hopper was full of praise for injured co-captain Callan Ward. Pic: Getty Images

“He can really refocus you sometimes, he’s been fantastic.

I know a lot of us younger mids really look up to Wardy for what’s he done for the footy club and the game as well.”

And while still relatively young there’s no lack of desire to step and take responsibility when it’s called for.

“There’s a few us in that three, four, five year bracket,” he said. “We’ve got the usual leaders that are always going to stand up in big moments but I think there’s opportunities for us younger players who have played a fair few games now to really step up and help where we can, influence a game where we can and share the load as much as possible.”

Teammate Harry Himmelberg added of Ward: “The young guys are getting better by the day because he’s putting so much effort into them He’s so selfless.”

Originally published as GWS Giants midfielder Jacob Hopper expects vicious reception from Adelaide Crows fans