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Vale Ian Cooper

Thursday, December 16, 2021 - 12:00 AM

Ian was recruited direct from St Kilda as a ruckman/ forward in 1970. A tall ‘string-bean’ with a great leap and spectacular pack mark, nicknamed ‘brolga’ by the Swans faithful. Played 35 games and kicked 73 goals before having to return to Victoria in mid 1972. 

His contribution to a struggling Swans side in his short stay was outstanding. Swans Leading goalkicker in 1970 (39 goals) and 1971 (33 goals). Was made Vice-Captain under Bill Walker in 1971 and 1972. Was runner-up in the Swans Fairest & Best in his first season in 1970 and again in 1971 and represented the State in 1970.

Ian Cooper played 69 games for St Kilda and was their best player in their only premiership in 1966. Ian passed away on December 14th after a long brave fight against cancer. We express our condolences to his family and friends and remember him fondly wearing the number 15 jumper at Swans.