Reigning AFL Cairns senior premiership coach and 2016 AFL Queensland Senior Coach of the Year, Brad Cooper, has been appointed North Queensland representative coach for 2017.
Cooper was involved in the program in 2016 as lead-assistant to coach Rick Hanlon, and his appointment is testament to his standing as a coach; not only in Cairns, but across the state.
He will oversee a North Queensland team comprising players from Cairns, Townsville, Mt Isa and Capricornia Leagues.
The North Queensland vs. South Queensland representative series has rapidly grown to become one of the state’s most popular representative programs.
This year sees the fourth instalment of the series, with the ledger sitting at two wins to one in North Queensland’s favour.
North Queensland Team Ambassador, John Durkin, said he was extremely pleased that Cooper had accepted the position.
“Brad has had experience with the program over the last couple of years, so he comes in knowing how the program operates,” Mr Durkin said.
“This year’s focus is to ensure the team is prepared for whatever South Queensland might throw at us and that we are not overawed by the occasion.
“Brad’s experience will be invaluable in this respect, as he is forthright, demanding and understands what this task will take.”
Joining the coaching staff will be former South Cairns Cutters coach, Daniel Lock; with Townsville represented by current Hermit Park Tigers Senior Coach, Jamie Fogg.
Further appointments to the coaching staff will be made in the coming month.
The team will play South Queensland in Cairns on the weekend of July 22/23 as a curtain raiser to the Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast Suns Round 18 AFL clash.
