Footy Convert Earns WAFC Talent Pathway InviteWednesday, January 17, 2024 - 8:27 AM

The West Australian Football Commission’s inaugural Come and Try Talls Day has unearthed an exciting teenage ruck prospect.

Recently turned 17-year-old Cooper Ramsay was a stand-out performer at the event last month.

WAFC Talent Manager Adam Jones is excited about Cooper’s potential.

“Firstly, his age and height were exactly what we were looking for, and then after seeing him test and go through ruck and marking drills he showed the athleticism that we wanted to see, “Jones said.

“Cooper ticked all the boxes we were looking for, and while we haven’t seen him play, he fitted the criteria of the type of athlete we were looking for.

“We’ve seen in the past if we get the right athletes into our football programs, we’ve got confidence we can develop their football to a good level.”

The 200-centimetre prospect is a new arrival to Australian Rules.

“I played soccer from the age of 5 to 15 and in that time, I also did boxing, jiu jitsu, and had a year in rugby league,” Cooper said.

“Socially I enjoy basketball ball and golf and then when I was 16, I played my first year of AFL and really loved it.

“I heard about the have a go day on TV and thought I would just see what it was like.

“The tryout day was great, and I didn’t know what to expect.

“I was told we did parts of the combine testing, and I enjoyed all aspects of it.”

Cooper is about to enter Year 12 at Melville Senior High School.

“I would like to see how far I can take footy as I love the sport,” he said.

“Ultimately, I want to play at the highest level in the AFL.
 

“I really enjoy being in the ruck but will play any position that my coach feels I can contribute to the team.

“I am very grateful and excited for the opportunity to be a part of the elite footy setup.”

Jones revealed the teenager will team up with a West Coast Eagles premiership ruckman.

“We have invited Cooper to be part of our “Talls Program” and be part of our WA Pre-Season Training Program once a week under the guidance of Mark Seaby,” Jones said.

“Cooper has also been invited to the East Fremantle Futures Program.”

Plans are already in place to replicate the Come and Try Day initiative in 2024.

“To find one prospect in the first year is a fantastic result.

“This is something we are going to look at doing every year to continue to unearth top end athletes who haven’t been exposed to much football.”