Michael Cooke (footballer)

Michael Cooke (born 17 December 1953) is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Hawthorn in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

Cooke was the first Hawthorn player to make his league debut in a final. Due to indifferent form, full-forward Michael Moncrieff was moved by coach John Kennedy to defence for the 1975 semi-final against North Melbourne at Waverley Oval and Cooke was called up to fill the full-forward position. An Old Carey player, he had put in some impressive performances at full-forward in the reserves, where he teamed up well with his brother, centre half-forward Robert.

Cooke's four goals in the semi-final helped Hawthorn book a spot in the premiership decider, for which he kept his spot in the side. Cooke struggled in the grand final and was replaced without managing a kick. He never played another senior game and finished his career at Olinda.