Continuity with his football in the latter part of the 2024 season has given star Richmond midfielder Jacob Hopper a boost going into 2025.

Hopper missed 11 games this year because of knee and hamstring issues.

He damaged the knee in the Round 1 clash with Carlton and was sidelined until the Round 7 Anzac Eve match against Melbourne.

Unfortunately, he copped a hamstring injury that night and didn’t return to the playing field until Round 16 v the Blues.

Hopper, however, managed to play the last nine games of the season and was a valuable contributor for the Tigers through the midfield.

In his 12 games for the season, he averaged 23.8 disposals, 10.2 contested possessions, 3.7 marks, 3.4 tackles, 4.0 clearances, 3.3 inside-50s, 4.0 score involvements, 3.1 intercepts and 303.4 metres gained.

“Got the body right and was able to finish the season playing some footy,” Hopper told Richmond Media.

“Always eager, especially when you miss large chunks of the year, to just keep playing footy.

“Hopefully next year we can get a good run at it.”

The 27-year-old, who joined Richmond from Greater Western Sydney via the 2022 AFL trade period, is keen to build on the relationships that he’s formed throughout his brief time at Tigerland, and to play his role in the team’s rejuvenation.

“Second year at the Club now . . . It’s always felt like home from day one, but definitely feeling more and more like home and more and more comfortable. Definitely feel like I’m growing every day and just trying to get better every day,” he said.

And Hopper expressed enthusiasm for the Tigers’ prospects in 2025.

“Another year with “Ooze” (coach Adem Yze) is only going to be a great thing for us,” he said.

“Continue to hone in on what we need to hone in on, improve where we need to improve, and we’ll get some more people into the footy club,

“It’s going to be exciting. Hopefully the Tiger Army is excited as well.”