Mason Cox Told to Embrace Brash Persona for Fremantle Debut in Western Derby
Mason Cox is being urged to unleash his big and brash personality when he makes his highly anticipated Fremantle debut in Sunday's western derby clash against West Coast. The 35-year-old ruckman received a lifeline from Fremantle after being axed by Collingwood at the end of last season, and he will step in as a direct replacement for the concussed Sean Darcy.
Longmuir Backs Cox's Swagger and Two-Pronged Ruck Attack
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir confirmed the news on Friday, revealing the Dockers will deploy a two-pronged ruck attack featuring Cox and Luke Jackson. Longmuir has explicitly encouraged Cox to maintain the swagger and brashness that defined his 139-game career at Collingwood, which included the club's 2023 premiership victory.
"We want him to be himself, and want him to bring all of himself," Longmuir stated. "He's done that since he got to the club. He's done it at training sessions, in the gym. So we wouldn't ask him to not do that on game day."
Cox's Form and Patience Pay Off Amid Team Changes
In his two WAFL appearances this season, Cox has averaged an impressive 39.5 hitouts, six marks, and 21.5 possessions. However, with Darcy previously ahead in the pecking order, Cox has been forced to wait patiently for his opportunity. Longmuir praised his readiness, saying, "He's been our best player at Peel so far in two games, and really he's been just waiting for an opportunity. My message to him the last three, four weeks was just make sure when the opportunity comes up, you're in good form, and he's done that."
Injury Updates: Young Returns, O'Meara Sidelined
In other team news, star midfielder Hayden Young has been named to play after overcoming a left hamstring strain. Despite a recent history of soft tissue injuries, including surgery on his right hamstring last year, Longmuir plans to persist with Young in the midfield, with occasional stints in attack. "Although his minutes might slightly change first week back in terms of forward-mid balance, he'll continue to play the same role," Longmuir explained. "He's one of our best centre bounce players, so we want him in a position where he can best impact the game. And we feel like we're on top of his injuries, and feel like he's had a really good rehab stint."
Forward Michael Fredrick will also return after recovering from an ankle injury, but Jaeger O'Meara faces an extended stint on the sidelines due to facial fractures sustained at training. Longmuir expressed concern, noting, "He's a much loved teammate. To see him go down to training, it spooked us a little bit."
West Coast's Injury Woes Add to Derby Drama
On the West Coast side, the Eagles (2-3) will be without midfielder Deven Robertson for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury, while Jack Graham is scheduled for shoulder surgery and will miss approximately two months. This adds further intrigue to the derby, as both teams navigate key absences in a high-stakes matchup.
