EJ Whitten Legends Game: Byron Cooke produces the worst miss of all time

Tom Naghten

EJ Whitten Legends Game: Byron Cooke produces the worst miss of all time image

While no one goes to the EJ Whitten Legends Game expecting to see much quality football, radio DJ Byron Cooke lowered the bar to a never-before-seen levels on Friday night.

Cooke was the 'power player' for the All Stars team coached by Wayne Carey - which apparently means any goals scored by him would count for double.

Fortunately, the match is for charity which means the score isn't a priority, because Cooke might just be the worst player to lace a pair of boots since Tom Wills codified the game way back in 1858.

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Cooke, who hosts a show on Melbourne's Fox FM alongside Brendan Fevola and Fifi Box, was targeted several times by his teammates, but he made a meal of every one, leaving commentators stunned with the final effort.

Found by Gavin Wanganeen wide open in front of goal, Cooke spilled a chest mark before gathering the footy, but instead of booting the ball through for a major, missed his foot, allowing Geelong legend Cameron Ling to mop up.



Adding insult to injury for Cooke, at the other end, Victoria's 'power player', 64-year-old talkback host Steve Price managed to get on the end of a goal.

Speaking at quarter-time, Cooke's coach Carey was asked where the ring-in came from: "No idea and you will not see him again tonight."

This year's EJ Whitten clash, which raises money and awareness for men's health issues in honour or Footscray icon Ted Whitten, saw a revamp, with the teams to play AFLX at AAMI Park.

"The EJ Whitten Legends Game is a fun and entertaining family footy spectacle that is designed to raise awareness and discussion around men's health issues," Whitten's son, Ted Jr. said.

"Too many men, like my father Ted, fail to engage with their health until it's too late. The Legends Game is a platform to spread our important message: It's Time To Test, to encourage men to get an annual health check."

Head to this link to donate.

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.