Brennan Cox is the forward who wants to defend
BRENNAN Cox reckons he has long been a defender trapped in a forward’s body.
BRENNAN Cox reckons he has long been a defender trapped in a forward’s body.
Cox has mostly played in attack for SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens, including in 11 reserves and seven under-18 games this year.
But he emerged as a draft prospect after being named all-Australian centre half-back at the midyear national under-18 championships.
Cox, who stands 194cm and 91kg, sees himself as a backman and has defending in his blood.
His mother Leanne and sisters Emily and Kelly have played as defenders in netball, while his father Leighton was often a nullifier while playing in the Essendon Districts Football League.
“I can read the play pretty well and my family in all sports have been defenders,” Cox, 18, says.
“I’ve got a bit of athleticism about me and I like playing in defence a lot more than forward.
“I started at the Eagles as a forward and was playing all right there then came over to state and they chucked me to centre half-back.
“It was about the second time I’d played it and I had a pretty good carnival.
“I went back to the Eagles and went up forward ... because that was what the team needed and the defence was pretty set.”
Cox is considered one of SA’s top draft hopes.
The Woodville South junior was among 10 Croweaters to be tested for AFL clubs at the draft combine at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium last month.
“I was absolutely stoked (to get an invite),” he says.
“It’s a great experience and I love being around footy and all the boys.”
Cox plans to watch the November 25 national draft at home with family.
“Since I could remember playing AFL is all I ever wanted,” he says.
“To get drafted would be amazing.”
STICKS SAYS:
“The most dominant defender in the (national under-18) competition in my opinion. He has a basketball background so he has a pretty unique and impressive way of competing for the footy,”
SANFL high performance manager Brenton Phillips.
BRENNAN COX
Woodville-West Torrens
18, 194cm and 91kg, tall defender
DRAFT RANGE: 25-40
THURSDAY: SAM WALKER