A heartwarming moment unfolded during North Melbourne’s 54-point defeat by GWS Giants on Sunday as Cooper Trembath kicked three goals on his debut for the Kangaroos.
The 19-year-old earned a promotion to the Roos’ senior squad during the 2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft earlier this year.
But in a fairy tale start to life in the AFL, the young Eastern Ranges product got his family in the stands on their feet, booting his first goal in AFL football from around 40 metres out just to the right of the sticks.
Trembath made the most of his opportunities up forward, kicking an equal team-high three goals.
Heartwarming scenes erupted in the stands as Trembath’s grandmother and family jumped with joy and embraced each other with a big hug.
His grandmother then appeared to break down in tears of joy in the stands, bursting with pride at her grandson’s milestone match.
Cooper Trembath’s grandmother heartwarmingly broke down in tears after her grandson scored three goals during North Melbourne’s game against GWS Giants on Sunday
Members of Trembath’s family joyfully hugged each other after the 19-year-old star booted his debut AFL goal
In fact, his grandmother has been a member of the Western Bulldogs for nearly 50 years.
And Trembath credited her and his family for originally getting him into football.
‘Very grateful for the opportunity,’ Trembath told the club’s website after the match.
‘Ten weeks ago I was playing local footy and to be out there today was such a blessing.’
‘It’s amazing. They’re the ones who got me into footy. So having them here in Canberra, the trek to get here has been really big for her, so yeah, love her so much.’
Anthony Hudson also joked that Trembath’s goals for North may not have been the highlight of his grandma’s day.
‘I’ll just tell you a little story about his nanna,’ he told Fox Sports.
‘As excited as she was for young Cooper, the highlight of today was being able to meet (former Bulldogs player) Caleb Daniel (who now plays with Trembath).’
A little over 10 weeks ago, Trembath had been playing local footy, but on Sunday made his senior AFL debut
The youngster booted three goals during the Kangaroos 54-point defeat by GWS Giants
Dermott Brereton added: ‘That is beautiful. Isn’t it amazing what this sport does to people? It’s fantastic. It is fantastic — good on you, Nan.’
‘It’s been a lot more physical, lot more sore than I usually am so gotta recover well.’
GWS, meanwhile, maintained their position in the top eight following the win.
Having had 10 days to process the startling 88-point thumping by the Western Bulldogs, the Giants pulled away from the Kangaroos early on Sunday at Manuka Oval.
Leading by 58 points midway through the third quarter, GWS took the foot off the pedal in the 20.13 (133) to 12.7 (79) win.
Callum Brown led the Giants’ goal-kicking with an equal career-high five, while former Essendon and Western Bulldogs star Jake Stringer was lively with three before he was tactically subbed out in the third term.
Young forward Aaron Cadman kicked four goals, moving to 42 for the season.
Cadman should have finished with at least five, but missed one chance when he inexplicably played on in the goal square and was caught holding the ball.
Set to finish in the bottom three, North were delighted with the debuts of Trembath (right) and Geordie Payne (left)
Callum Brown (second from right) led the Giants’ goal-kicking with an equal career-high five, while former Essendon and Western Bulldogs star Jake Stringer was lively with three before he was tactically subbed out in the third term
Midfielders Tom Green (25 disposals) and Finn Callaghan (31) were exceptional, making sure North’s talented on-ball brigade didn’t get the Kangaroos into the contest.
GWS moved to 14-7, ahead of games against Gold Coast and St Kilda to complete their home-and-away campaign.
Due to their percentage, the Giants may need to win both their remaining matches to be guaranteed a spot in finals.
Set to finish in the bottom three, North were delighted with the debuts of Trembath and Geordie Payne.
Former Sydney star Luke Parker continued his impressive first season with the Kangaroos, gathering 28 possessions and a team-high nine clearances.
North will have a chance to leapfrog Richmond into 16th on the ladder when they face the Tigers in Hobart next Sunday.
