Shepparton News’ Goulburn Valley League Football Rising Star for June: Euroa’s Cohen Paul

Named as The News’ Rising Star for June, Paul’s time at Princes Park has sparked not only a consistent month of action for the former Murray Bushranger, but a strong season as Euroa’s defensive aerial general.

Paul has delivered a standout month despite a 1-2 June win-loss record for his Magpies, including performances of 26 disposals, 10 marks, and three tackles in round 10 against Mansfield and 22 disposals, eight marks, and three tackles in round 12 against Shepparton United.

Euroa coach Dave Gleeson said the summer of fitness at Carlton had been instrumental in Paul’s run of form, while a couple of games for the Magpies last year made his official inclusion into the team a seamless one.

“We were lucky we had him for a couple games last year, he was clearly a special talent,” Gleeson said.

“He had a pre-season with a VFL club. His fitness is a testament to him and that shows with his durability.”

Paul said learning off the Blues’ veterans was eye-opening as a young footballer and had been an opportunity that’s held him in good stead against grown men this GVL season.

“Being able to train with the senior VFL players was really good for my learning,” Paul said.

“The detail in their work is incredible.

“It’s a lot different playing against the bigger bodies, I’m used to a lot quicker, more outside footballers.

“All the strength work I’ve been doing pre-season and even Dave’s confidence in me just to play my role (has helped).”

Averaging 9.6 intercept possessions in 2025 (ranked second in the league) and 3.8 contested marks (ranked fifth), Gleeson said Paul’s ability to lead the backline at 19 years of age had been the key to Euroa’s defence holding up in the heat of battle.

“We’re a relatively young side, especially our backline’s quite young,” Gleeson said.

“His marking ability in general is elite and his intercept marking is also in that elite area, and he’s got a great kick too.”

Paul admitted that his growth in stature and frame had allowed his aerial dominance to come naturally, but he still puts in the hard yards to remain at the top of his game.

“It’s come quite naturally in the last couple of years after I’ve grown a little bit, but I’ve done a lot of craft work with it too,” Paul said.

With four wins in 2025 to round 12, Paul said September aspirations were still not lost within the group.

“We’ve still definitely got ambitions to play finals, seven games left,” he said.

“We’re a chance to win a few of them, hopefully three or four and see if we can make a push to finals.”