How Dean Cox went from ‘the enemy’ to Sydney Swans’ new coach replacing John Longmire

Dean Cox arrived at the Swans to be an assistant coach under John Longmire as “an enemy”. Seven years on, there’s no person better placed to take over the reins.

When it comes to building a footy resume, there isn’t much that Dean Cox hasn’t achieved.

The kid from Dampier in Western Australia forged a Hall-of-Fame career across 14 seasons for the West Coast Eagles.

He won a premiership in 2006, received six All-Australian blazers and along the way earned the reputation as one of the best-ever ruckmen to play Australian rules football.

But it’s telling that Cox has never been more determined than he is in 2024.

Following a seven-year apprenticeship under John Longmire, he’s ready to help pass his success onto the next generation and guide the Sydney Swans into the future as their new head coach.

“When my playing career ended, I was all about ‘how can I try and help players experience what I experienced?’,” Cox said. “So, when last Tuesday the opportunity came (to coach the Swans), it’s a massive thing for myself and our family.”

After heeding the call from Longmire in 2017 to join him as an assistant in Sydney, Cox has made a big impression on those around him. From players and staff across the club, to even rivals who tried to poach him, Tuesday’s confirmation he would lead the Swans came as no surprise.

Across the past 18 months, as Longmire grappled with the decision, it’s been evident that Cox was ready to step up if required.

Observe any Swans training session and your eyes are immediately drawn to him – and not just because of his height. With his familiar whistle around his neck, he commands the centre of the field as he conveys orders.

John Longmire felt comfortable stepping down as coach of the Swans because he knew the playing group would be in safe hands under Cox. Picture: Phil Hillyard

He would regularly run the sessions as the senior assistant. His booming voice echoes across the SCG or Tramway Oval as he signals the start of run-throughs or brings a match simulation to a close.

Then there was the off-field relationship where Longmire gave Cox the space to be more involved in the decision-making process of the footy program.

This wasn’t a deputy praying for a chance to showcase his talent, but rather a faithful lieutenant who knew his time would eventually come.

“John has known for a period of time, and probably as a footy club, that I always wanted to be a senior coach, hence the move over from WA,” Cox said.

“We’ve had constant dialogue with the footy club and with John all the way through it.

“The opportunity that I was presented towards the end of last year to be able to do the off-season, sit with John and go through the recruiting phase, draft, staff hiring process of getting a program ready and then the ability to be able to do it again this off-season, it’s a testament to John to allow that to happen, to promote and help his people.”

Sydney players regularly speak about Cox’s natural ability to start a conversation and build a positive, working relationship. Picture: Phil Hillyard

When you talk to Swans players about what makes Cox such a great coach, it’s his ability to build a relationship that sticks out.

Whether you’re a young up-and-comer or a veteran of the game, he makes you feel heard and understood. The spectrum goes from his one-on-one chats with Brodie Grundy before joining the club to heading to the family home of Jesse Dattoli as the Swans first-round draft selection last week.

That connection even translated to Longmire and his team.

“After the Giants final, I looked up on the big screen and saw (Longmire) and Coxy in the box, they were going nuts,” Chad Warner said in September.

“It’s funny because I think Coxy brings it out of him a few times. He’s so passionate about the game and they’re two great leaders to have above you.”

Cox was at the centre of the Eagles side which triumphed over the Swans in the 2006 grand final. Picture: Phil Hillyard

An analysis of the past few weeks provides clues that Cox was preparing to step up to the plate. He was at the head of the table for the Swans on draft night, while he was the main presence for their first hitout at pre-season training on Monday.

But it’s a testament to Longmire that Cox has truly found a home in Sydney.

In his words, he arrived in town as “an enemy” after his role in the brilliant Swans-Eagles rivalry in the mid-2000s.

Yet after seven years, the relationships he has formed saw him spurn the opportunity to return and coach the club where he made his name.

Initially handed a four-year deal to replace Longmire, the Swans coaching role represents a departure from the volatility Cox would likely have faced if he was tasked with turning West Coast around.

Cox with his wife Kerry and daughters Charlotte and Isabella after being confirmed as the Swans’ new head coach. Picture: Phil Hillyard

He becomes just the fourth man to coach the Swans since 1996. And if their track record is anything to go by, the job could be his for at least a decade if results go his way.

“One thing that I’m extremely proud of in this organisation is the sustainability of performing at the highest level and our players produced some amazing football this year and something we’re really proud of,” Cox said.

“There’ll be some little tweaks that I’ll do differently than John, but overall, it’s a well-run footy program. It has been for a long time and we’ll make sure that we give the players the best chance that they can continually perform, improve and enjoy their time together.”