Just 10 games into his AFL career, Jacob Hopper has already found himself playing in two finals.

It’s been a remarkable journey for the 19-year-old GIANTS Academy product who last November was selected with pick seven of the 2015 NAB AFL Draft. 

“It was a pretty incredible feeling and I’m still a bit shocked by it all,” Hopper said.

“It was pleasing to just have that faith given to me by the coaches and the players alike.

“I took huge confidence from that going forward and playing finals footy even though I’d only played a little bit of footy at this level." 

From the moment he was drafted last November Hopper had just one goal for 2016; pull on the GIANTS jumper and make his debut.

“I was pretty eager to play as soon as I could and to come in and play in the 22 was what I wanted to do,” Hopper said.

“I had a little setback with my back but other than that I ticked a couple of boxes and I’ve just got to keep on improving.” 

Hopper stood out in his first AFL season, earing a NAB Rising Star Nomination for his round eight debut against the Gold Coast. 

The 19-year-old collected 32 disposals – 17 of which were contested – as the GIANTS won by 91 points.

“It was something I’ll probably look back on and it was a good day and a good week for the family,” he said. 

“It was really nice to do it but I’m just looking forward to getting out there next year.”

After a busy year getting used to the standards of AFL, Hopper is looking forward 2017 and improving himself as a footballer especially after the heartbreak of a Preliminary Final loss.

“Obviously I had to adjust a few things and I’ll have to keep on adjusting a few things going forward,” Hopper said. 

“I’m just looking forward to the improvements I can make and the team can make to hopefully go on to bigger and better things next year.

“There’s a real burn there, it’ll probably sit with us a bit next season, there’s probably an added motivator that hasn’t been there in previous seasons.”