The Eagles Godfather, Ted Cooper, first played league football with Wanderers in 1953-54 as a sixteen (16) year old, and played until 1968-69.

He was an outstanding footballer who was respected by players and officials of all clubs for his silky skills and exemplary conduct on the field.

In his long and illustrious career he was never once reported by the umpires, quite a feat considering the tough, unrelenting physical style of football played in the Northern Territory.

Ted Cooper was Wanderers Captain in 1960-61 and 1961-62, was a key member of the Wanderers 1957-58 Premiership Team and he was the club’s Leading Goal Kicker a phenomenal six times, 1955-56, 1956-57, 1958-59, 1959-60, 1961-62 and 1964-65.

His ability to kick majors also saw him become the NTFL’s leading goal kicker in 1958-59.

He won the Club Best and Fairest in 1956-57, 1957-58 and 1961-62, quickly becoming an Eagles great through sheer determination and honest hard work on the football oval.

Ted Cooper is a two time winner of the Northern Territory’s highest individual sporting honour, the prestigious Nichols Medal which he won in 1957-58 and 1961-62

He was a proud member of the NTFL Representative team that played against the Mt Isa select team known as ‘Mary Kathleen’ in 1961.

Bestowed with life membership of his beloved Wanderers in 1968 he was also honored with NTFL Player Life Membership in 1986.

In recognition of his talent, Territory icon Ted Egan named Ted Cooper in the 1946 to 1956 Northern Territory Team of the Decade.

A champion player and a true gentleman footballer, Ted Cooper’s sublime talent was matched by his dedication to his craft and a truly outstanding commitment to fair play.

We welcome a genuine Eagles great…a true territory football giant, Edward “Ted” Victor Cooper into the AFLNT Hall of Fame.