Paul Roos played 87 games for the Swans after joining the club in 1995 following a star-studded career with the old Fitzroy club or the Brisbane Lions as they are now known. This included six seasons as captain. Paul was runner-up in the Brownlow Medal – AFL’s highest individual player award, in 1986 after finishing third the year before. He also won the E J Whitten Medal, awarded to the best Victorian player in State of Origin football, in 1985 and 1988.
During his career with Fitzroy, he was a member of the Victorian representative team 10 years running, two as captain. He was also named in the All-Australian team on seven occasions, twice as captain.
After retiring as Swans coach, Paul took assumed the role of overseeing the Swans Academy, and made his mark as a columnist with News Limited newspapers and as a member of Fox Sports AFL commentary team.
In late 2013, the Melbourne Demons signed him for a three year deal with the club. He successfully turned MFC fortunes around during his tenure.
At the end of 2016, Paul stepped away from his coaching duties with the Melbourne Demons and announced his return to the media, with FOX Sports and Triple M.
One of the joys of coaching your boys in junior sport is the contact you have with other families and the lessons you can pass on. Often you come across boys that teach you valuable lessons also. One such family was the Rice-Bradings, and the young man that taught us all lessons was Cooper.
I was blessed to have spent time with Mitch and Coop. Coopers courage compassion and love of life was inspiring. He was a huge Demon and Swans fan and I’m pleased to say a great mate.
Its a privilege to be asked to continue his legacy through the Foundation.
Coop we will always remember you and you will always inspire us all.