Sport

Hamilton still on list during Queensland opportunity

By Callum Farquhar

Jul 7, 2026

Rochester’s Cooper Hamilton has jetted up north for more VFL opportunity.

Rochester’s Cooper Hamilton’s footballing trajectory has made an abrupt pivot in order to continue playing at the highest level possible.

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While previously on Carlton’s VFL list, Hamilton has pounced on the opportunity for more state league appearances in a switch to Queensland-based standalone club Southport, with the news announced on Friday, June 19 and Hamilton suiting up for his Sharks debut that.

Hamilton amassed 14 disposals, four marks and three tackles against the VFL’s yardstick Geelong in his second state-league appearance since his AFL delisting, having played one game for the Blues last year.

While Hamilton has made the jump to live interstate to further his footballing career, he will remain tied to Rochester as his home club.

With nine games in yellow and black, and Southport currently a game and percentage outside the VFL finals equation, Rochester coach Ash Watson stated it may not be the last time supporters see Hamilton join his brothers in the Goulburn Valley League.

“We’re still his home club, and he’s played enough games to qualify for finals for us,” Watson said.

“But he is living up there now and is already getting the VFL opportunity with Southport, so I don’t expect we’ll see as much of Cooper.”