“IT’S BEEN okay.” 

That’s how the typically modest Rising Star nominee Cooper Lord summed up his recent form — an understatement, to say the least.

In just his 11th AFL game on Friday night, Lord looked every bit the seasoned professional in the Navy Blue.

Having missed just one game in his first full season, the young Blue has showcased both versatility and grit - whether starting as the sub or in the thick of the action, simply grateful for every opportunity to play on the game’s biggest stages.

“I’ve had to change my role, play a couple of different roles within the team – I’ve just been so excited to be out on the park for the last couple of weeks,” Lord said.  

“Starting as the sub a couple of games is always a little bit difficult to get out there and really prove that you’re right for the level sometimes, because you only get a small snippet. 

“I think I was lucky enough to get a couple of games where I came on early, and I felt like I made an impact, so I think I’m tracking okay at the moment.”

Lord’s path to the AFL was far from conventional — selected in the 2024 mid-season draft from North Melbourne’s VFL side, he made his debut for the Blues in Round 24.

Fast forward to 2025, and with a full pre-season behind him, the 20-year-old is beginning to make his presence felt in Carlton’s midfield. Despite limited minutes, he’s averaging 11 disposals, three tackles and two inside 50s per game.

“Looking back on it, it is a strange period of the year coming in mid-season, but the pre-season was awesome, just building my game and building the habits that I really need to keep pushing to be a footballer,” he said. 

“I’ve just loved every minute of soaking up everything in this environment and trying to get better every day.”

Arriving at IKON Park mid-season last year was a “daunting” experience for the then 19-year-old, but any nerves quickly faded thanks to the warm welcome from teammates, coaches and staff.

Thrown into midfield duties, Lord credits the guidance of Adam Cerra and Sam Docherty for helping him find his feet in the AFL system — learning the craft and what it truly takes to be a professional athlete.

“A lot of the midfield boys have been unreal, but the main one is Adam Cerra, he’s been awesome in helping my development,” he said.

“The way he goes about it, he’s so professional, he’s always looking to help – I’ve been sitting in on his reviews and he’s been really good at helping me. 

“I’ve had a bit to do with [Doc] because he’s been playing a bit on the wing, so he’s been great at educating me on little things to do with the role. 

“He’s so determined and he’s an amazing player – it’s been great working with him.”

Another important figure in the midfielder’s life has been best mate Jagga Smith, who arrived at the Club in the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft.

Best mates since year 7, Smith and Lord have strengthened their friendship since both donning the Navy Blue, with the Rising Star nominee admitting he leans on Smith for honest feedback and support as he continues to develop his game.

“Jagga is looking through a different lens, not being on the field, he’s been really good at checking in with me,” he said. 

“Our relationship has definitely grown into making each other better – we used to do that at school, but here, it’s important to help each other along the way.

“I’m so grateful that he’s here.”

While the midfield has always been Lord’s bread and butter, his biggest development has come from embracing new roles across the ground.

Frequently used as the sub, Lord has quickly learned the importance of adaptability, adding versatility to his game and broadening his skill set in a short space of time.

Willing to play whatever role the team needs, the 20-year-old remains grounded and grateful for every opportunity to contribute in the Navy Blue.

“Growing up playing as a midfielder, it’s not until you get into the system that you realise that it’s so important to have other roles you can play,” he admitted. 

“The biggest thing for me is being open to playing other roles. Once you do that, it’s easy to learn in this environment and the coaches are really good at pushing you out of your comfort zone with new roles. 

“I think I’ve really enjoyed that and it’s made me a better footballer.”

After a disappointing outing in Sydney, Carlton is looking to regroup in front of their home crowd at Marvel Stadium against Greater Western Sydney. 

Lord notes that while their attack needs to be sharper in front of goal, there were a lot of positives to take out of their trip to the SCG.

“Personally, I’m just so excited that we’re back on our home ground in front of our fans this week at Marvel, which will be really awesome,” he said. 

“In terms of our attack, we had plenty of opportunities, probably just failed that last connection inside 50. 

“I think it’s going to be a really close contest [against GWS], but for us, we have to go back to what we do best, and I think that’s our contest work and our ability to spread from there.”