Reuben Cooper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reuben Cooper |
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| Date of birth | 14 August 1951 | ||
Reuben Cooper, born on August 14, 1951, is a former Australian rules football player and coach. He made history by becoming the very first player from the Northern Territory to play in the top Australian Football League (AFL). He started his AFL journey with the South Melbourne team in 1969.
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About Reuben Cooper
Reuben Cooper is an Indigenous Australian. He was born into a family that loved football. His father, Ron, played football for the Buffaloes in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL).
Reuben's great-grandfather, Robert Joel 'Joe' Cooper, was a buffalo hunter on Melville Island. He married an Iwaidja woman named Alice. Joe sent Reuben's grandfather, Reuben Cooper Snr, to school in Adelaide.
Reuben Snr later returned to Darwin. In 1915, he helped bring the sport of Australian rules football to Darwin. Reuben Snr was also the first "coloured" player to play in the Darwin league.
Playing Australian Rules Football
Starting in Melbourne
In 1968, Reuben Cooper moved to Melbourne. He wanted to play for the South Melbourne team. However, he could not join the Swans right away. This was because of special transfer rules from the Northern Territory.
So, in 1968, he played football in the suburbs of Melbourne instead. This helped him get ready for the big league.
Making History in the VFL
Reuben Cooper made his official league debut in the 1969 VFL season. He was only seventeen years old at the time. This was a very important moment. He became the first player from the Northern Territory to play in the Victorian Football League (VFL). The VFL is now known as the AFL.
Playing Back Home in Darwin
After his time in Melbourne, Reuben Cooper returned to Darwin. He then played for the Darwin Football Club in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL).
He was a star player for the Buffaloes team. In the 1970/71 grand final, he was named the best player on the field. His team won the championship that year.
Coaching Career
After his playing days, Reuben Cooper also became a coach. He coached the Nightcliff team. This team is part of the NTFL. He was their coach for the 1986/87 season.
