Paul Hopgood

DOB: 21 July, 1973
Debut: Round 4, 1993 against North Melbourne at MCG
Last Game: Round 21, 2000 against Geelong at MCG

Games: 113
Goals: 10
Career Statistics

From: Chelsea

Number: 30 1993, 15 1994-2000

Honours
150 Heroes selection

Recruited to the Demons Under 19 side as a sixteen year old, Hopgood based his career around the ability to read play and toughness at the ball rather than any great skills with the football. He had been joint state captain of the Victorian Teal Cup side in 1990, and was voted an All-Australian the same year.

Hopgood debuted in 1993, having played in the losing Reserves Grand Final side the year before. He goalled with his first kick in league football but was better known as the side's key shut down player in the mid to late 90's. He was renowned as the club's chief practical joker in his time.

At the end of the 1999 season Hopgood entered into a partnership with teammates Matthew Febey and David Schwarz to buy the Blarney Stone Hotel in Bay Street, Port Melbourne. It was renamed The Hurdle.

After a delayed start to the 2000 season due to a quadriceps strain, Hopgood played just one match and was delisted at the end of the season.

He was appointed coach of Chelsea for 2001 before moving to Mt. Eliza in 2002 where he won a premiership in 2005.

Lists
Goal with their first kick

Media
"Demons' new hurdle" - Herald Sun 27/11/1999