Jack Cooper
Fitzroy
AFL career
136 games8 goals
- Debut
- R1 1907 v COL27 Apr 1907
- Most recent
- PF 1915 v CAR11 Sept 1915
Stats
1915 | FIT | 17 | 0.1 |
1914 | FIT | 17 | 0.1 |
1913 | FIT | 19 | 0.0 |
1912 | FIT | 16 | 0.0 |
1911 | FIT | 16 | 0.0 |
1910 | FIT | 8 | 0.0 |
1909 | FIT | 15 | 0.0 |
1908 | FIT | 17 | 0.2 |
1907 | FIT | 11 | 0.1 |
Bio
A tenacious and skilful half-back, Jack Cooper was a local product recruited from North Fitzroy Juniors who became one of the Lions' most decorated defenders of the pre-war era. Standing at 178cm, he was a thick-set and vigorous competitor known for his ability to handle the ball cleanly at speed and repel opposition attacks with consistent drive. His on-field leadership was recognised early, seeing him appointed club captain in 1912 and state captain for Victoria the same year. Cooper remained a central figure in Fitzroy's backline during their golden run, winning club champion awards in 1911 and 1914 and playing a pivotal role in the club’s 1913 premiership victory over St Kilda.
Cooper's football career was cut short by the First World War, as he enlisted in the AIF following the 1915 season. After surviving a gas attack at the Somme, he famously participated in the pioneer exhibition match of Australian football in London in 1916 while recuperating. He eventually returned to the front lines and was tragically killed in action during the Battle of Passchendaele in September 1917. Remembered as one of Fitzroy's greatest fallen heroes, his legacy is that of a tough, loyal clubman who gave everything for his team and his country.
Profile
- Full name
- Jack T. Cooper
- Born
- 21 Feb 1889
- Died
- 20 Sept 1917 (aged 28y 211d)
- Birthplace
- Fitzroy North, VIC
- Deathplace
- Polygon Wood, France
- Height
- 178 cm
- Weight
- 78 kg
Teams
Honours
- Premiership1913
- Fitzroy B&F(2×) 1911, 1914
- Fitzroy captain1912
Bio
1 revisionA tenacious and skilful half-back, Jack Cooper was a local product recruited from North Fitzroy Juniors who became one of the Lions' most decorated defenders of the pre-war era. Standing at 178cm, he was a thick-set and vigorous competitor known for his ability to handle the ball cleanly at speed and repel opposition attacks with consistent drive. His on-field leadership was recognised early, seeing him appointed club captain in 1912 and state captain for Victoria the same year. Cooper remained a central figure in Fitzroy's backline during their golden run, winning club champion awards in 1911 and 1914 and playing a pivotal role in the club’s 1913 premiership victory over St Kilda.
Cooper's football career was cut short by the First World War, as he enlisted in the AIF following the 1915 season. After surviving a gas attack at the Somme, he famously participated in the pioneer exhibition match of Australian football in London in 1916 while recuperating. He eventually returned to the front lines and was tragically killed in action during the Battle of Passchendaele in September 1917. Remembered as one of Fitzroy's greatest fallen heroes, his legacy is that of a tough, loyal clubman who gave everything for his team and his country.