Michael Cooke

Who is Michael Cooke?

Michael Cooke is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Hawthorn in the Victorian Football League.

Cooke was the first ever Hawthorn player to make his league debut in a final. Due to indifferent form, Michael Moncrieff was moved by coach John Kennedy to defense for the 1975 Semi Final against North Melbourne at Waverley Oval and Cooke was called up to fill the full-forward position. An Old Carey, he had put in some impressive performances at full-forward in the reserves, where he teamed up well with brother, centre half-forward Robert.

His four goals in the semi final helped Hawthorn book a spot in the premiership decider, for which he kept his spot in the side. Cooke struggled in the grand final and was replaced without managing a kick. He never played another senior game and finished his career in Olinda.