The recruitment of Haydn Bunton jnr, and Billy Walker in the sixties followed by John Todd a decade later were momentous for Swan Districts, and not only had a profound influence on the club's transition from perennial under achievers to trendsetters, but created tradition, character, and set the path for the future.
Any of these three legends of the game could justifiably be considered as the black and white's greatest ever recruit.
But just as influential in regard to the long term success of the club and even more so in regard to it's viability and ability to continue as a force in the WAFL was the signing of a bank teller from Manjimup, who played 122 games mainly in a back pocket during a largely unsuccessful on field period for Swans.
When John Cooper was invited to try out at Bassendean in 1951, no one would have had an inkling of the tremendous signing it would turn out to be for both John and the Swan Districts Football Club. The man who would go on to become a tower of strength during some telling times over the forthcoming half a century was playing with the Manjimup club, who were part of the old Warren Association, with some success, having been part of the Warren combined side that won the 1949 country carnival at Bridgetown.
Son of prominent local football player and coach, Mick Cooper, who had previously coached Warren to a country carnival win, John had already represented Pastimes (now Carey Park) at senior level while attending Bunbury High School. The seventeen-year-old centre man had been part of a league and reserves premiership at Pastimes, and was on the radar of several WANFL clubs.
After three reserve appearances in 1951, Cooper played the first of ten consecutive league games for Swans that year in the centre, and impressed not only the club but also the umpires, receiving a Sandover Medal vote in each. A pulled muscle saw him on the sidelines for several weeks, and, after intense lobbying from reserves coach Jack Murray, who wanted him in his side for the finals considering he'd already qualified, he spent the rest of the year in the twos.
John found himself in defence in 1952, and became a regular back pocket player for most of the remainder of his playing career. After achieving a hundred games at the black and whites, work commitments began to hinder his form, with travel to training becoming harder as a result of bank postings to outer suburbs. Midway through the 1958 season, Cooper called it quits.
In 1959, John took over as colts coach, but a transfer in employment to Boulder the following year forced him to relinquish that post, but he was snapped up by local club, Boulder Mines Rovers, becoming captain coach in 1961. After two years out of the playing arena, Cooper led Mines to a premiership. “It was a tremendous year,” he recalled. “Swans marvellous flag happened straight after ours, and the Mines Rovers boys came down on the train. I was appointed trophy selector for the day, and, although Keith Slater won the Simpson Medal, I gave mine to Ken Bagley, who was fantastic at centre half back.”
John had another reason to enjoy that flag and the two immediately after.
“It was one of my football highlights that seven players from the colts side I coached in 59 played in at least one of the three premierships,” he said.
Returning to Bassendean, Cooper was set to coach the Swan Districts under sixteen-combined side when he was approached to take over as honorary secretary for the club. “I had already been doing the treasurers job for several years while I was playing, so decided to accept the position,” John said. During his four year stint in the role, he was one of several who were instrumental in Swans regaining control over it's own licensed club.
Becoming a board member and vice president, he then served as President and WAFL Director for seven years, during a tumultuous period for the club. Cooper was a tireless campaigner against the VFL's exploitation of the WAFL during his term. He later was a member of the WAFL Life Members Association (president from 1988 and still in the chair), WAFL Salary Cap Officer, Chairman of junior football development, WAFL permit committee, WAFL Umpires Board, and WAFL Boundaries Committee.
With Percy Bright, Cooper began the businessmans club that evolved into the Swansmen, and it's one of his proudest achievements. “This group is a tremendous fundraiser for Swans, and it has been a boon to the club in times of financial crisis,” he said. He was also President of the Swan Districts Life Members Association.
John has been a great ally of Bill Walker, and the pair have been tireless servants of the club. John recalled the catalyst for the four-time Sandover medallist becoming not only Swans longest serving player but also longest serving president. “It was at the time that Gary Sidebottom wanted to go to St Kilda,” he said. “Bill was acting as Sidey's manager and accused us of playing it too hard on him, so I said to him: “come into the admin as vice president and open your eyes to what goes on.” He duly did, to his credit, and became a long serving chairman.”
He regards Walker as Swans best ever player, while giving Keith Slater a big wrap, as well as about a hundred others who wore the black and white. South Fremantle's Steve Marsh and Harry Carbon and Kelvin Allsop from Claremont were his toughest opponents.
The advent of John Todd as coach was to set off a long and fruitful relationship between the two on a rocky start. “I said to John, “you run the footy, I'll run the admin. I won't interfere.”
“One day I noticed Toddy at quarter time giving Ron Boucher heaps and sticking that bent finger into his chest. Later I said to Bouch: “I saw that. If you want to take action, the club will support you.” I was having a drink with a few others in the lounge, when in burst Toddy with a spray in front of the guests. “You're undermining me.” After settling him down, I headed for Bouch for an explanation as to why he went to Toddy. “I just wanted to wind you both up,” he laughed.
John also related the story of Todd's attempt to get a higher view of the game. “We put up two telephone poles with canvas on the top, and a phone, between the members and the Billy Walker stand,” he said. “One day Toddy was having a hard day and threw the phone out of the door. A small kid came up the ladder, peered over the edge, and said: “Mister, I think you lost your phone.”
John Cooper was a promising tennis player in his youth, winning a mens singles at Manjimup, and continued to play later in life. He won an Eastern Districts B Grade final, beating Perth and State footballer Keith Harper, and played against Clive Wilderspin on a couple of occasions.
John's wife and family have always played a big part in his football life. “Beryl has been unbelievable,” he told us. “She has supported me throughout, and should be credited with a share of whatever I have achieved.” Their daughter, Jan, who was a trainer for Swans in the eighties, has carried on the family involvement with the game, as the AFL Football Development Officer for Womens Football in Western Australia. Sons Ronald and Michael played in the amateur competition.
With two knee replacements, John Cooper is restricted these days to a round of golf when he can, but he is still a regular at Steel Blue Oval at the age of eighty.
His induction into the WA Football Hall of Fame recently, to add to a Merit Award for Outstanding Service with the National Football Council is a just reward for a great servant of the game, the Swan Districts club, and the WAFL.
But John Cooper's time and efforts aren't restricted to football.
A recipient of the Order of Australia for Community Service, he has been:
Chairman of the Motor Dealers Licensing Board; committeeman at TAFE, committeeman at Midland Enterprise Centre, Treasurer of Anglican Parish, Midland, Auditor for Swan Food (providing cheaper food for the unemployed and pensioners), Chairman and Treasurer of Eastern Districts Development Council, Councillor, Shire of Swan, and Treasurer of Swan Emergency Accommodation.
His football links are perpetuated with the John Cooper-John Todd Stand at Bassendean Oval, the presentation of a cup awarded to the winner of a special Manjimup Imperials and Deanmill game (the John Todd- John Cooper Cup), and the naming of a triplex built opposite Bassendean Oval, “John Cooper Close”.
The word legend is used often and loosely these days, but it fits well with John Cooper.
Mick would be proud.
