In a surprising late-season twist, Fremantle is reportedly considering a move for former Collingwood premiership player Mason Cox to solve their ruck depth concerns.
Dockers' Search for Ruck Support
The Fremantle Football Club has made no secret of their need for experienced ruck coverage after trading backup big man Liam Reidy to Carlton last month. Reidy managed just three games in three seasons with the Dockers.
This leaves Fremantle with only three recognised ruckmen on their list heading into the 2026 season: star duo Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson, along with rookie Aiden Riddle.
Dockers list manager David Walls confirmed the club's plans to add another ruck option, telling The West Australian they would likely use the Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) to find their man.
Cox Emerges as Surprise Contender
The 211cm American, who was delisted by Collingwood at season's end, has now emerged as a potential solution for Fremantle's ruck needs.
Cox's delisting came as somewhat of a shock given he played 10 games for the Magpies in 2025, including both finals. The towering ruckman even kicked two goals in Collingwood's preliminary final defeat to Brisbane.
During his nine-year career with the Magpies, Cox played 139 games after making his debut in 2016, with his career highlight being the 2023 premiership victory over Brisbane.
Other mature-age options previously linked to Fremantle included former North Melbourne and Port Adelaide ruckman Brynn Teakle and St Kilda recruit Harry Boyd, who were both touted to train at Cockburn over summer.
Walls Outlines Recruitment Strategy
Fremantle's list boss David Walls provided insight into what the club is looking for in a backup ruckman.
"We will go through our draft order, go through that if we don't pick one there we will see what's there in the rookie draft but I would say it would be an SSP," Walls said.
"There's definitely players out there that have been around and are mature. It's more guys that you think could come in and basically still have room to develop."
Walls emphasised the ideal candidate would push Darcy and Jackson during summer training, be a strong performer for WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder, and be ready to step up if injuries struck.
Fremantle heads into Wednesday's national draft with only two spots available on their main list and three rookie positions, holding picks 20 and 47.
