Shepparton’s Billy Cooper will trade Tatura Park for Punt Road Oval this upcoming season following his recent signing with VFL outfit Richmond.
Cooper, 24, has locked in a spot on the Tigers’ state-league squad following a competitive pre-season training block.
The skilful midfielder, who has evolved into one of the premier on-ballers in Goulburn Valley League, joins Mooroopna’s Tom Brown (AFL list), Nathalia’s Nathan Oakes (VFL list) and Ashtyn Atkinson down at Tigerland.
Cooper, a Yorta Yorta man, won’t be lost to the region — with the smart footballer locking in Tatura as his home club for 2023.
Cooper said he was over the moon to finally be able to tick off a long-term goal of his.
“I got offered the contract the other day and I was pretty happy to have it locked in before the practice matches kick off. It sort of gives me that bit of security and now I can just focus on my footy,” he said.
“It’s so good to be in a professional environment, it’s just a whole different level to what I’m used to, but it’s where I want to be.
“I got the call-up last year saying I got a training spot over pre-season and I’ve just been trying to prove to myself and other people that I have what it takes.
“I knew my footy could go to another level and now I’m ready to give it everything.
“I’ve nominated Tat as my home club; I don’t see myself as leaving really because I love everyone out there.”
It’s not the first foray at Punt Rd for Cooper.
After turning heads at junior level for Shepparton East and Shepparton Swans, Cooper was offered a spot with Richmond’s Next Generation Academy and the Korin Gamadji Institute as a teenager.
That helped keep Cooper, the grandson of legendary GVL footballer Gary, on the Tigers’ radar.
And thanks to his best-and-fairest winning season in 2022 with Tatura — where Cooper averaged 30.8 disposals, 7.6 rebound 50s, 3.4 clearances, 3.1 tackles and one score involvement a game — it’s no surprise Richmond’s VFL coaching staff welcomed the smooth mover to their ranks.
Known for his use of speed and endurance to cover the ground, last year’s GVL MVP winner expects to be used primarily through the midfield and forward rotation at the Tigers.
The career highlights continue to flow for Cooper with the star midfielder given the opportunity to train alongside household names in Richmond’s AFL squad.
“There was actually four-five of us who got invited up to train with the AFL boys the other day,” he said.
“It was wild; the whole session the footy was just buzzing around and there were no skill errors. It’s a whole different standard that’s for sure.”
Richmond’s VFL program is about to ramp up with a number of practice matches over the coming weeks in preparation for the first round in March 25.