Cooper Hynes Adapts to New Role as Wingman for Western Bulldogs

Cooper Hynes, a player for the Western Bulldogs, has successfully transitioned to a wingman role during his second season in the AFL, participating in 23 out of 25 games.

Originally drafted as a midfielder in 2024, the 20-year-old adapted his playing style in 2026 to enhance his versatility, especially with the addition of star recruit Zak Butters to the team. Hynes sought advice from teammates Bailey Williams and Jarryn Geary to improve his performance on the wing.

After adjusting to his new position, Hynes averaged 18.8 disposals in the last six games of the season, including finals, and scored five goals. He noted that his confidence grew significantly after a standout performance against Hawthorn at the MCG, where he recorded a career-high 21 disposals.