STRENGTHS:

+ Competitiveness
+ Consistency
+ Contested ball
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Tackling
+ Work rate

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Decision making
- Size

Consistency and toughness are the pillars of Cooke's game, but he prides himself on one more facet: his versatility. While still seeking to perfect the high forward role, he poses a threat deep inside 50 with his one-on-one craft and pressure, in addition to being a combative first possession winner in midfield.

Cooke does the grunt work week in, week out. He's ultra competitive at stoppage, capable of both prising clearances and shutting down the opposition with tenacious defensive intent. His hands are quick and clean, while he has the power to either fend off opponents or drive his legs through contact. He brings the ball from the inside, out.

His dogged nature and appetite for work translates to strong running capacity. Highlighted by a 2km time of 6:08 at the National Draft Combine, Cooke covers plenty of ground and his ability to get from contest to contest lends to his consistent impact. He leads from the front with boundless energy and intensity.

As a surge-type of player who tends to launch the ball long by foot, Cooke is looking to add poise to his game. He took great strides as the year wore on in finding freedom on the outside, lowering his eyes and hitting measured passes on the run. Otherwise, particularly given his inside-leaning role, he can prioritise meterage over finesse.

Another obvious question mark over Cooke and is how his his crash-and-bash style will translate to the top level, at 176cm. He clearly has ample speed and power to break through congestion, but may be held up more often by bigger bodies. In turn, that will further test his disposal, and he himself said a larger mid like Ethan Drever was among his hardest battles for the year.

That being the case, Cooke's forward half capabilities are key to his future success. He is an outstanding one-on-one player who competes bravely in the air and reads the flight of the ball well. He can hold his ground, crumb, and hit the scoreboard regularly - good for a goal per game. Whether high or deep, he's dangerous.