Sport

Rochester confirm star still on list as Queensland opportunity begins

By Callum Farquhar

Jun 22, 2026

Rochester’s Cooper Hamilton has jetted up north for more VFL opportunity. Photo by Megan Fisher

Rochester’s Cooper Hamilton’s footballing trajectory has made an abrupt pivot in order to continue playing at the highest level possible.

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While previously on Carlton’s VFL list, Hamilton has pounced on the opportunity for more state league appearances in a switch to Queensland-based standalone club Southport, with the news announced on Friday, and Hamilton suiting up for his Sharks debut on Saturday.

Hamilton amassed 14 disposals, four marks and three tackles against the VFL’s yardstick Geelong in his second state-league appearance since his AFL delisting, having played one game for the Blues last year.

While Hamilton has made the jump to live interstate to further his footballing career, he will remain tied to Rochester as his home club.

With nine games in yellow and black, and Southport currently a game and percentage outside the VFL finals equation, Rochester coach Ash Watson stated it may not be the last time supporters see Hamilton join his brothers in the Goulburn Valley League.

“We’re still his home club, and he’s played enough games to qualify for finals for us,” Watson said.

“But he is living up there now and is already getting the VFL opportunity with Southport, so I don’t expect we’ll see as much of Cooper.”

In a watch over the VFL, Mansfield’s Max Mahoney suited up for Collingwood in its one-point loss to Frankston, while Shepparton United’s Riley Onley was placed as a key defender in Casey’s loss to Williamstown.

North Melbourne’s Matt Whitlock has thrown his hat in the ring for AFL selection after booting 3.2 for the Roos in their 63-point win over Richmond’s VFL unit, clunking nine marks on top of the scoring feat.

At AFL level, Shepparton’s Jarman Impey was taken out of Hawthorn’s clash with Gold Coast before half time, reporting a hamstring injury.

Shepp Swans export Josh Rachele kicked the sealer for Adelaide in a thriller against Melbourne, overall contributing 3.3 from 17 disposals, while Port Adelaide’s Jack Whitlock top-scored for the Power in a 26-point loss to Collingwood, kicking 2.1.

Port Adelaide is reportedly in talks to extend Whitlock’s contract at Alberton for multiple years beyond his current deal to 2027, following his breakout year under senior coach Josh Carr.