Cooper Duff-Tytler: From Woodend to the Big Stage
Local Hero Chasing AFL Dream
Congratulations are in order for Cooper Duff-Tytler, the Woodend Hesket Football Netball Club and Woodend Junior Football Netball Club player who has taken the football world by storm. From kicking the footy around at the local oval to playing on the MCG on Grand Final day, Cooper's journey is one that inspires every young athlete in our community.
Where It All Began
For Cooper, it all started right here in Woodend.
"My footy memories as a young kid in Woodend are pretty basic," Cooper reflects. "I just remember looking forward to Sunday all week to the time I got to play footy with my mates. Some great friends like Willem Hanegraaf always made junior footy fun and why I loved it so much."
Like many kids in country Victoria, Cooper's early years were spent juggling multiple sports, showing natural talent across the board. Under the guidance of his junior coaches at Woodend - his Dad Jason and Tony Hanegraaf - Cooper developed not just his skills, but the character and work ethic that would define his pathway to the top.
"Some junior coaches were my Dad and Tony Hanegraaf and they both made sure I focused on getting my teammates involved, which is still important to me today," Cooper says.
That team-first mentality has become a cornerstone of his game.
A Journey of Growth and Difficult Decisions
Cooper's rise through the football ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. After representing Australia in basketball at junior level and excelling on the footy field, he faced a decision that would shape his future.
In 2024, when selected for the prestigious AFL Academy - a group of just 30 of the nation's best young players - Cooper made the tough call to focus solely on football. As he explained in a previous interview, "I think my love for the game and ultimately I chose what I thought would give me the best opportunities and most successful in. Ultimately it came down to what I wanted to do every day in my future."
The decision wasn't about abandoning basketball, but about excellence. "I could have continued playing both. For me I didn't want to keep kicking along doing both and separating my time and trying to keep up with the others," Cooper said. "I wanted to put all my time into one sport and try to excel and get the best out of myself."
The Basketball Connection
While football ultimately won his heart, Cooper's basketball career was far from ordinary. Representing Australia at junior level gave him a unique skill set that translates beautifully to the football field.
"I think spatial awareness and my ball control are strengths in my game that basketball has helped with," Cooper explains. Those skills, honed on the basketball court, have become defining features of his football game.
Making His Mark
Cooper's 2024 season was a whirlwind of achievements. He made his debut for the Calder Cannons in round 12, earning best-on-ground honours in four of his six appearances. He also played in the AFL Futures Game on the MCG on Grand Final day—a stage most young players only dream of.
When asked about the moment he believed he could make it to the AFL, Cooper points to a specific game: "My first game for Vic Metro in U16 was probably the first time I thought I have a real shot at the AFL, although it had always been a dream."
But perhaps the most meaningful moment came closer to home. Cooper made his senior debut for Woodend Hesket in 2024, pulling on the same jumper he'd watched his heroes wear growing up. Playing alongside his brother Tobi made the occasion even more special. "It was exciting to play down at Woodend and make the senior debut for the local club," he said at the time.
When asked what the Woodend Hawks mean to him, Cooper's response is heartfelt: "The Woodend Hawks mean a lot to me. It's where I started my footy journey and the ongoing support from the club is pretty special."
In September 2025, Cooper kicked three goals in his VFL debut for Essendon, further cementing his credentials as a genuine AFL prospect.
Eyes on the Prize
As the 2025 AFL Draft approaches in November, Cooper remains focused and motivated. "If you put your head down and do the work you can get the results at the end," he said, "ultimately what I'm aiming for come November."
But Cooper's ambitions extend far beyond draft night. "I think it would be a pretty unreal experience to win a premiership in the AFL, but individually I want to carve out a long career and become a reliable teammate that people enjoy running out with each week."
A Message to the Next Generation
For the young kids running around at Woodend Hesket, watching Cooper's journey with wide eyes and big dreams, his message is clear:
"My advice for young kids wanting to play AFL would be to find what you are good at and make sure to focus on that and try and use those strengths each week to help your team, but also just make sure to enjoy the journey."
Cooper Duff-Tytler's story is still being written, but one thing is certain - he's proof that with dedication, sacrifice, and the support of a strong community, dreams that start on country ovals can lead all the way to the AFL.
The Woodend Hesket Football Netball Club and Woodend Junior Football Netball Clubs couldn't be prouder of him.
Join Us for Draft Night
The Woodend community invites everyone to come together and celebrate this historic moment. On Wednesday 19th November, the Woodend clubrooms will open from 6pm to watch the AFL Draft live. Everyone is welcome to join us as we cheer for Cooper when his name is called - a moment that represents years of community support, from junior footy Sundays to this incredible milestone. And a testament to what happens when talent meets dedication and a community that encourages kids to dream big.
Come down, be part of the celebration, and show Cooper the support of the community that helped shape him into the young man he is today.
