Reuben Cooper facts for kids

Reuben Cooper, born on August 14, 1951, is a former Australian rules football player and coach. He made history as the first person from the Northern Territory to play in the Australian Football League (AFL). He started his AFL career with South Melbourne in 1969.

About Reuben Cooper

Reuben Cooper is an Indigenous Australian. He grew up in 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 shooter on Melville Island. He married an Iwaidja woman named Alice. Joe sent Reuben's grandfather, Reuben Cooper Senior, to St Peter's College, Adelaide.

After his studies, Reuben Cooper Senior returned to Darwin in 1915. He helped introduce Australian rules football to the area. He was also the first "coloured" player to play in the Darwin league.

Playing Football

In 1968, Reuben Cooper moved to Melbourne. He wanted to play for South Melbourne, also known as the Swans. However, rules about player transfers from the Northern Territory meant he could not play for them right away. So, he spent the 1968 season playing for a local suburban team in Melbourne.

Making History in the VFL

Reuben Cooper made his big league debut in the 1969 VFL season. He was only seventeen years old at the time. This made him the very first player from the Northern Territory to play in the Victorian Football League (VFL). The VFL later became known as the AFL.

Playing in Darwin

After his time in Melbourne, Reuben Cooper went back to Darwin. He joined the Darwin Football Club, also known as the Buffaloes. He played in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL). In the 1970/71 Grand Final, he was named the best player on the field. His team, the Buffaloes, won the championship that year.

Coaching Career

Reuben Cooper also became a coach. He coached the Nightcliff team in the NTFL. He was their coach for the 1986/87 season.