200 match appreciation

In 2024, John Cooper already broke the games record for the most boundary umpire games officiated in the VFL. His 195th match took place on the hallowed MCG on the 25th of May 2024. He now becomes the first boundary umpire to reach game number 200 – a landmark moment in a career that epitomizes professionalism without giving away the ability to bring joy and smiles to his teammates on and off the field.

Referred often around the track as ‘JC’, VFUA Life Member, Johnny Cooper, not only has been an integral part of the boundary umpiring group at Vic Park, but also an incredible mentor and inspiration for his teammates on and off the field. Tallying the most finals officiated in the state league across all disciplines, his consistency and bravery to improve or recalibrate his abilities with his throw, running style and positioning has allowed him to remain at the pointy end of the season time and time again. 3 Grand Finals, multiple preliminary finals and many successful AFLW campaigns regardless of however long he continues to defeat his teammates across the line in the final rep of another training session.

John Cooper breaks the record

JC will always be an incredible husband to his wife Madeline, an amazing father to his daughter Penny & above else, an amazing teammate, mentor and friend.

There’s a common saying, “It couldn’t have happened to a better bloke,” and these words ring true for Johnny ‘Super Dooper’ Cooper. A man whose selflessness, compassion and genuine interest in others far exceeds his hair line. If you wanted to capture the culture of the Boundary squad in a person, need look no further than Johnny.

Having been at the VFL since 2011, Johnny has been an everlasting presence within the group. After learning from the example of the great Andrew Leggo, took a mix of playfulness, mateship and fun, and combined with this an unquivering approach to continued improvement and high performance. It’s easy to forget just how a high performance environment can become toxic, draining and combative, however, under John’s leadership, either direct or indirect, he kept the boundary group together.

I mention all this because I feel a true measure of someone’s career is their impact on others and John has certainly achieved this.

But now for the personal accolades; 195 VFL games, 3 consecutive VFL grand finals, Boundary Umpire of the year 2022, VFL Life Membership, 22 VFL Finals (highest current number) and 41 AFLW games. Need I say more…

For an umpire who looked after teammates so much, it’s easy to over look John’s absolute drive for continued development. To continue to push into prelim finals over 150 games is an absolute feat. A brave decision to change his throwing style over the covid break is just one example of John’s continued push for improvement and choice to implement feedback.

On a personal note, I could not be prouder of my mate, and to think that same 20 year old who I trialled with is now the VFL Boundary games record holder, is just amazing, and I couldn’t be prouder.

John, may you continue to run well and keep going until you cannot go no further.

Love ya mate,
Leigh Buwalda