The 2008 Brownlow medallist, who played 219 games with the Western Bulldogs before being traded to Essendon, is excited by a stunning turnaround that has resulted in the 29-year-old feeling fitter and fresher than he has for several years.
At the end of 2012 Cooney hit rock bottom, with a degenerative injury to his right knee limiting his availability and output.
That off-season, out of sheer desperation, he sought revolutionary treatment in Germany – and it paid off. After managing just 27 games in 2011-12, Cooney played 37 in 2013-14, and is yet to miss another due to his knee issue.
Crucially, he has also rediscovered his speed and lateral movement – assets he hopes to further exploit as a Bomber.
Cooney hasn't returned to Germany for treatment but has undergone similar procedures at Melbourne's Olympic Park.
In his last two pre-seasons with the Bulldogs, Cooney completed about 80 per cent of the workload. So far at Bomberland he has completed every session, without any ill effects, and plans to step up the volume in January.
"I'd pretty much written myself off (in 2012), but the knee is probably 70 per cent better now," Cooney told AFL.com.au on Wednesday.
"It used to blow up after training and games and it would take two or three days to go down, which was half the battle at times when you have to get it drained.
"But I don't get any swelling now, and it fast-tracks my recovery because I can get moving a lot quicker than I used to.
"The way it's improved has surprised me. And so has the amount of work I've been able to do this pre-season, because I've upped the training levels again and I'm doing more than what I thought I would.
"The way it's improved has surprised me. And so has the amount of work I've been able to do this pre-season, because I've upped the training levels again and I'm doing more than what I thought I would.
"So it's a real positive to feel good, train well, and pull up well after sessions.
"I've also been doing a lot more leg-strengthening exercises to get me ready for the year."
At an earlier press conference at the Bombers' training base, Cooney was asked whether he could return to his Brownlow form.
"I don't think anyone wants to come out and say they're going to win the Brownlow," he said.
"I just want to play consistent footy at the new footy club, gain the guys' respect and hopefully help the guys win some games next year."
"I've also been doing a lot more leg-strengthening exercises to get me ready for the year."
At an earlier press conference at the Bombers' training base, Cooney was asked whether he could return to his Brownlow form.
"I don't think anyone wants to come out and say they're going to win the Brownlow," he said.
"I just want to play consistent footy at the new footy club, gain the guys' respect and hopefully help the guys win some games next year."
