Description

Legs, Leadership & Legacy traces the extraordinary life of John Cooper OAM—a humble country boy from Manjimup who defied debilitating illness as a teenager to become a respected footballer, administrator, banker, and community servant.

Told with admiration and candour, this story reveals how John's early battle with osteomalacia and a lengthy hospital stay never dimmed his spirit. Refusing to accept medical advice against playing contact sports, he returned to football with fierce determination. Eventually playing 122 games for Swan Districts, John made his mark as a tough and reliable back-pocket defender—often recognised by his uneven stride due to different-sized boots necessitated by childhood illness.

But it was after his playing days that John's greatest contributions emerged. His leadership across seven decades helped guide Swan Districts Football Club through some of its most defining moments—as treasurer, secretary, president, and later, revered elder. His advocacy for keeping coach John Todd in 1980 directly paved the way for a premiership trifecta.

Beyond football, John carved a successful 38-year career in banking, led in local government, and served the WA Football Commission and numerous community and church organisations. His character—grounded in fairness, loyalty, and faith—made him a beloved figure across generations.

The honours speak volumes: an OAM, Sports Medal, Centenary Medal, WAFL and Swan Districts Hall of Fame inductions, and the stand that bears his name at Bassendean Oval.

But John's true legacy is not in titles or tributes—it's in his unwavering service, his example of resilience, and the countless lives he touched.