The GIANTS are delighted to announce a major signing for its VFL side, with former Port Melbourne captain and premiership player Harvey Hooper to don the orange and charcoal in 2026.
A massive signing for the club’s VFL program, the GIANTS welcome Hooper to Sydney following an esteemed 10-year VFL career with the Borough in which he captained the side and was a key part of the club’s thrilling 2017 VFL premiership win.
Also a two-time best and fairest winner at the Borough and multiple time VFL Team of the Year member, Hooper has been one of the most respected and decorated players in the VFL for the past decade and will add a wealth of experience to the GIANTS’ VFL program in 2026.
Originally announcing his retirement from the VFL at the conclusion of the 2025 season to relocate to Sydney to be with his partner, Hooper has since decided to take the opportunity to reunite with former coach Robbie Chancellor who has also joined the GIANTS for season 2026.
The gun midfielder joins the GIANTS fresh off a brilliant season for Port Melbourne, having been named in the 2025 VFL Team of the Year as well as finishing runner-up in the Borough’s 2025 best and fairest.
The 28-year-old also played a starring role in the VFL’s huge win over the SANFL in April this year.
Hooper is the club’s second big VFL signing in the past week, with SANFL star and former Swan James Bell also joining the club’s VFL program for the 2026 season.
GIANTS Head of Talent Adrian Caruso said he was thrilled to welcome Hooper to the GIANTS.
“It’s really exciting to add someone of Harvey’s calibre to our program,” Caruso said.
“From an on-field perspective, we know what Harvey has been able to achieve but what we are just as excited about is the leadership and experience he will add.
“We have a young group in the VFL and a lot who are yet to taste success at the level, so Harvey will help drive the standards and foster the growth in our group, both with our AFL- listed and VFL-listed players.
“We are investing into the VFL program more now than ever before, something we feel we made strides in this year, and with the addition of Harvey it gives us an added boost and the confidence that we can mix it with any other program.”
The 2026 Smithy’s VFL season will get under way on the weekend of March 21-22, in line with round two of the AFL season.
