Jan Cooper’s Inspiring Story

Trailblazer and Ambassador

Considered a pioneer of women’s Australian football, Jan Cooper talks about her passion for the sport. Growing up Coopers’ love for AFL was always from the sidelines and never on the field, thanks to being ‘just a girl’. Coopers’ put her dream of playing footy away, playing elite-level cricket and volleyball, state league netball, basketball and swimming.

At 34, Cooper was introduced to the women’s league and her dream, though too late for her, was reframed to become the commission’s female football development manager. In recent years, Jan Cooper has continued to be a prominent figure in the Australian football community and a vocal supporter of AFL Women’s (AFLW) since its inaugural season in 2017. Coopers’ involvement with the AFLW West Coast Eagles team earned her the position of Eagles number one ticket holder in 2021, acknowledging her significant contributions and ongoing commitment to the sport.

Through her work with the AFLW and the Eagles, Cooper has continued to promote gender equality and diversity in the sport. She has also been a mentor for young players, sharing her knowledge and experience to help the next generation of women’s footballers succeed on and off the field.

Listen to Jan Cooper’s Inspiring Story.