Ned Cooper reveals why North Geelong move has been so easy after leaving Anglesea

North Geelong’s boom recruit Ned Cooper has revealed why the transition from Anglesea has been so easy after making a century in his Magpies debut.

Ned Cooper whips one onto the leg side during his century. Picture: Wes Cusworth

Ned Cooper was one of the biggest names on the move at the end of the 2021/22 cricket season, parting ways with Anglesea and defecting to North Geelong alongside fast bowler Dale Kerr.

The shift from hard wickets to turf is the most noticeable difference between the BPCA and the GCA, but the star batter said it wasn’t difficult to draw comparisons between the two reigning premiers.

“Looking at North Geelong you can draw a lot of parallels (to Anglesea), they’re a very similar club on and off the field,” he said.

“They’re really good fellas, a well ranked club and is successful … they’re very similar.

“Not much has changed really, obviously the standard in the cricket (is different) … I’ve really enjoyed it so far and I’m looking forward to getting out there again.”

Cooper made a century on debut, scoring 117 off 150 balls in the Magpies’ 148-run victory against Highton.

He was one of four players to reach the 100-mark in the first game of the season, with Shane McNamara (108* for East Belmont), George Rhodes (104 for Newtown & Chilwell) and Kaden Marum (100 for Lara) all reaching the milestone.

Cooper said the club made it easy for the players to be successful, and built on a solid foundation of wanting to play for each other.

“The way they go about training is a big one but I think the mateship and wanting to play for each other which I think really is the reason teams are successful,” he said.

“You celebrate each others’ success as much as your own.

“You feel that in the group, and I think that’s why they’ve been so successful as club the last few years.”

Cooper relinquished a captaincy position when he made the move from Anglesea to North Geelong, but despite taking a back seat in the decision-making process he believes it has helped him with his cricket.

“I think it takes a little bit of the weight off my shoulders, I think it gives you a little more responsibility when you are captain,” he said.

“You feel like you’ve got to contribute just a touch more, but it is nice to just rock up on game day and do your own thing and not have to worry about communicating too much with the other players about certain things.

“I definitely did enjoy it when I did do it though.”

Originally published as Ned Cooper reveals why North Geelong move has been so easy after leaving Anglesea