Adam Cooney has shaken off a slow start to the season to return to some of his best form.
The veteran began the season behind some of his other teammates after injury limited his participation in the pre-season.
Since then, however, Cooney has put in countless hours on the track and in the gym in order to get his body back to a level where he can once again have an impact on the field.
Despite the midfielder’s relaxed persona, line coach Guy McKenna is adamant that Cooney’s resurgence is ultimately due to his competitive nature.
“Underneath the red-top, or the red bonnet of Coons, there is a competitor,” said McKenna
“You don’t win a Brownlow if you just have talent.
“He works hard, his body probably doesn’t allow him to work as hard as other players have to on their craft, so there’s a lot of heart and head with Coons and the way he goes about it.”
Cooney has been a vital cog in Essendon’s young midfield group this year.
His leadership on the field is one of his greatest qualities, while his versatility as a player means that the coaches are able to play him as they see fit.
Joining the Bombers in 2015, it did not take long for Cooney to find his place among his teammates.
His laid back nature, dry sense of humour and interactions with everyone has made him a much loved part of the Club’s fabric.
“His engagement with the other players is super, it’s so important,” said McKenna
“He gets around and hugs those boys, or gives them a high five when they score or they’ve helped him score.”
Averaging 26 disposals in the last five games, it seems as though Cooney has turned the corner this season and has very little intention of going back.
McKenna is adamant that fans will only see Cooney keep getting better as the season progresses.
“Certainly a lot of credit goes to Coons to get himself up, I think his form has only got better as he’s got fitter with the season,” said McKenna
“There’s not a lot he could have done pre-season, gets himself to a level where the season will almost takeover.
“His got himself fitter and the longer the season has got, the better he’s looked.”
