CALDER Cannons ruck Cooper Duff-Tytler became the latest high-end draft prospect to make his state league debut, turning out for Essendon’s VFL side over the weekend. Playing almost exclusively as a forward, he impressed with his mobility, ability below his knees, and three goals from 13 disposals. We put his performance under the Player Focus microscope.

>> SCROLL to see Duff-Tytler’s Round 18 highlights

Calder Cannons, Vic MetroRuck

Cooper Duff-Tytler

Height: 200cm

Weight: -

DOB: 22-08-2007

STRENGTHS:
+ Athleticism
+ Clean hands
+ Follow-up work
+ Mobility
+ Upside

SEASON AVERAGES:

2025 AFL U18 National Championships (4 games)
14.5 disposals, 4.0 marks, 2.8 tackles, 14.0 hitouts, 0.8 goals

2025 Coates Talent League (3 games)
22.7 disposals, 4.3 marks, 1.3 tackles, 19.7 hitouts, 0.7 goals

>> AFL Draft: Race to #1 – Cooper Duff-Tytler

PLAYER FOCUS

2025 VFL Round 21
Sandringham 7.12 (54) def. by Essendon 17.13 (115)

#72 Cooper Duff-Tytler (Essendon)
Stats: 13 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle, 6 hitouts, 1 clearance, 2 inside 50s, 3 goals, 2 behinds

FIRST QUARTER:

With AFL-listed Bomber Vigo Visentini taking on the primary ruck duties, Duff-Tytler was thrust into Essendon’s forwardline alongside fellow tall target Tyler Sellers. He was initially occupied by St Kilda-listed defender James Barrat, but went on to be manned by Zebras youngster Jack Cheep.

Duff-Tytler occupied space deep inside 50 and kicked three consecutive scores for a first term tally of 2.1. His maiden state league goal came via a holding free kick while jostling with Barrat one-on-one, slotting the set shot from 35m to continue Essendon’s early ascendancy.

He extended the Bombers’ lead once more after Jackson Hately found him over the back for a straightforward overhead mark. A late push from Barrat brought him from the angle to the goalsquare to make a sure thing of his second major. It was all Essendon, taking a 30-point lead into the first break.

Needless to say, Duff-Tytler’s start was ultra impressive. He looked active and engaged, staying on his toes ahead of the ball to provide a marking target. His ability to follow up was also evident; getting a handball up for Nicholas Quigg to shoot, and nabbing a minor score after an initial ruck effort inside 50.

SECOND QUARTER:

Starting on the pine despite his hot start, Duff-Tytler continued to perform his role without the same scoring reward. He presented well on the lead and stayed upright when competing in marking contests, even in a one-on-two situation where he brought the ball to ground deep inside 50.

He couldn’t quite stick his marks with Cheep breathing down his neck and other Zebras defenders becoming privier to his talent, but again showed good intensity and engagement. That also translated to covering ground out of possession to apply pressure and help set up the ground.

THIRD QUARTER:

It was more of the same for Duff-Tytler in term three, and he produced arguably the highlight of the day out of half time. The nimble tall dribbled home his third goal on the move, intercepting an errant Sandringham handball under pressure and finishing with aplomb in the right pocket.

He also attended his first centre bounce, briefly chopping out for Visentini in the ruck and featuring up the ground. A late passage saw him help surge the ball forward with a handball receive and dish on the wing, matching Essendon’s intent to keep the ball moving in transitional waves.

Forward was where he continued to do the majority of his work though, rising in packs and creating another scoring opportunity. While he still couldn’t quite clunk a contested mark, Duff-Tytler used his body well to nudge Barrat under the ball and break towards goal, only to miss his shot on the run.

FOURTH QUARTER:

Duff-Tytler again got his chance to ruck just past midway through the final quarter, competing against the athletic Isaac Keeler. He leapt nicely at the centre bounces but was tested in jostles around the ground, perhaps a result of having to physically compete against more senior bodies late in the day.

He showcased his ability to stay involved in the play outside of the ruck contest, again getting involved to move the ball by hand. He also snuck free at half-forward to mark and quickly launch the ball inside 50, only for his target to fall over at the unideal moment to see a good chance go begging.

CLOSING THOUGHTS…

While he hasn’t necessarily produced a breakout or ‘pick me’ kind of game this year, Duff-Tytler continues to show glimpses of why he is rated so highly. Being able to impact with five scoring shots almost exclusively as a forward is a big tick for recruiters, who will be keen to see how his craft holds up.

His rate of development in that area, and overall, makes for plenty of upside heading into this year’s draft. The youngster’s bodywork and ability to arrive at the contest were positives, complimenting his nimble work below his knees and unique ground coverage. He does things few other talls can.

If he can begin to stick contested marks against senior opposition, he’ll be a hard player to stop given how well he moves and how well his footy IQ is coming along. Expect him to be among the first bunch of names called out on draft night, potentially among the top three and in West Coast’s sights.

>> Up the Grades: Top pick contender shines in VFL debut