Doug Koop

Who is Doug Koop?

Doug Koop is a former Australian rules footballer who played with South Melbourne, North Melbourne and Melbourne in the Victorian Football League.

Koop, a utility, played 15 games in three seasons at South Melbourne. He had perhaps his best match in 1980, against Carlton at Princes Park, when he had 22 disposals and kicked four goals.

He spent 1982 to 1984 in the SANFL playing with Woodville and then returned to the VFL at North Melbourne. Koop only made two appearances for North Melbourne in 1985 and just three more in 1986 before switching to Melbourne.

It was at Melbourne that he got selected most regularly and despite playing in both of his club's semi final wins of 1987 and 1988, he missed each of the preliminary finals.

Koop is currently coach of the Cranbourne Football Club, having been appointed in 2008. He had previously coached Frankston YCW. Despite finishing on top in 2010 Cranbourne was defeated in the preliminary final by Beaconsfield. Determined to make amends, Koop was driven to deliver success, something that had eluded Cranbourne since their halcyon days of the 90's.

Season 2011 proved to deliver the perfect season.