West Australian Football

East Perth Colts player Michael Cooper has been preparing for his return to the field next season after a disappointing succession of hamstring injuries left him unable to play this year.

After a stellar year playing with the Colts and his second year representing the state in the WA Under 16’s, 17-year- old Cooper was tipped to go on to play with the State 18’s this season.

However, shortly into the pre-season, Cooper suffered several hamstring injuries.

Following two rehab programs, he injured his hamstring again.

“It’s just given me grief because it takes just as long to repair as it would a torn hamstring,” he said.

“It’s just been a really frustrating year.”

East Perth Football Manager Jason Thomas said the club shared Cooper’s disappointment at missing the 2008 season.

“Michael is a quality player, but just as importantly, he is a quality individual,” Thomas said.

“He has an outstanding work ethic and a committed approach to his football both at training and at match day.

“These areas of his character have been missed by the Colts playing group this season, more so from the training track.”

Although Cooper says his decision to take the rest of the season off was difficult, he is now focusing on training for 2009.

“At the moment I’m doing a lot of core strengthening and preparing for next season.

“I’m resting my hamstring and not running … just leaving it for a while.”

With training and school work keeping him occupied this year, Cooper is looking forward to his return to football next year.

“At the moment, I just hope to get a good pre-season under my wing next year and hopefully look towards the State 18’s,” he said.

“As much as it has been disappointing, when I come back next year, it’ll make me hungrier.”