Daniel Cooney Emerging As Tasmania Devils Pressure Weapon

Site Editor

Editor

Last updated: Thu 28 May 2026 09:28

Site Editor 2 hours ago

Share this article

Daniel Cooney excels as a high-pressure forward for Tasmania Devils.
His defensive acts, creativity, and role discipline set him apart.
Cooney’s development aligns with the club’s system-based approach.

Daniel Cooney interview on Tasmania Takeover's Devil's Den podcast.

Daniel Cooney Is Fast Becoming The Devils’ Ultimate Pressure Forward

The modern game has never valued pressure forwards more highly.

In an era where AFL systems are built around territory, repeat pressure and forcing turnovers inside forward 50, players who can create chaos without needing 25 disposals are becoming critical pieces in successful teams.

That is exactly why Daniel Cooney is quickly becoming one of the Tasmania Devils’ most important young players.

The Clarence product may still be early in his VFL journey, but the impact has already been obvious. Whether it’s locking the ball inside 50, forcing rushed exits or creating scores from nothing, Cooney’s game fits perfectly within the identity the Devils are trying to build.

And it’s no accident.

“Jez wants me to be a pressure forward, defensive forward,”

Cooney explained on the Devils Den podcast.

“That’s what he wants me to do. I focus a lot on trying to get pressure acts, trying to get tackles.”

That role discipline has become one of the defining features of Tasmania’s strong start to life in the VFL.

While plenty of expansion sides struggle to establish a clear identity early, the Devils have quickly built a reputation as a hard-running, high-pressure team that thrives on overlap football and relentless defensive effort.

Cooney’s skillset naturally complements that system.

Against Frankston and Sandringham earlier this season, the small forward laid five and six tackles respectively, numbers that highlight the growing importance of defensive accountability from modern forwards.

Pressure forwards are no longer simply judged on goals.

The best ones force turnovers, create perceived pressure, chase relentlessly and disrupt opposition ball movement before the ball even hits the scoreboard.

Cooney already understands that side of the game exceptionally well.

“I do like the defensive side of the game. It’s just fun,” he said.

That mentality is becoming increasingly valuable at every level of football.

Even Cooney’s own AFL inspiration reflects the modern blueprint.

“I watch the Wizard a lot, Nick Watson,” he said.

“I think something that goes under the radar for him is his pressure acts. He’s always chasing and always working hard defensively.”

It’s an interesting comparison because the similarities are already visible.

Like Watson, Cooney combines forward pressure with natural football instincts. He doesn’t need a huge amount of the football to impact games. Instead, he creates moments.

Whether it’s a clever finish around goal, a chase-down tackle or forcing a rushed disposal, Cooney has shown an ability to influence contests quickly.

That natural creativity is part of why Tasmania believes there is still significant upside in his game.

While he has spent most of his Devils career as a forward, Cooney revealed midfield remains his long-term ambition.

“Through juniors I’ve always sort of been a midfielder,” he said.

“I think that’s where I like — a goal-kicking mid.”

The Devils clearly see that possibility as well.

At the moment, however, his current role is helping him build the defensive foundations required to eventually transition further up the ground.

And importantly, Cooney appears fully bought into the process.

The Devils’ coaching staff, led by Jeromey Webberley, have consistently preached role-based football since the club entered the competition. Every player understanding their responsibility has allowed Tasmania to remain competitive despite injuries, inexperience and constant list movement.

Cooney said the messaging from Webberley has been simple.

“He’s really big on playing your role,” he said.

“Your natural game will come after that.”

So far, that formula is working.

Even in limited appearances, Cooney has looked remarkably comfortable at VFL level. His speed stands out immediately, but it’s his decision-making and pressure work that have allowed him to adapt so quickly.

There is still physical development ahead. Cooney himself admitted adding size and strength will be important if he eventually transitions into more midfield minutes.

But the foundations are already there.

Tasmania has found a player who understands modern pressure football, embraces defensive responsibility and still possesses the natural flair to create scoreboard impact.

In a competition increasingly built around system football and forward-half pressure, Daniel Cooney looks exactly like the type of player the Devils want representing their future.