After playing two AFL games, Brennan Cox is showing promising signs of becoming an impact player for Fremantle, according to senior coach Ross Lyon. 

The 18-year-old is the youngest member of Fremantle’s list and impressed in Freo’s round 14 clash with Geelong at Simonds Stadium.

A versatile forward/defender, Cox also pitched in in the ruck - picking up eight hitouts in support of Sean Darcy, while collecting 15 disposals, six marks, three spoils and three tackles.

Three of Cox’s marks were contested with one of those an intercept mark. 

Cox also showed the presence of mind late in the final term to create an excellent scoring opportunity for Hayden Ballantyne, centering the ball form the wing and allowing the small forward a shot on goal from the 50m arc.

“Brennan was really pleasing, he is very athletic,” Lyon said.

“He’s clean with the ball, he’s good with ball in hand and he can really cover the ground as he’s quick.

“I thought he had an impact on the game, he takes what he should take.

“He’s got a lot to work and improve on but we see a real future for him, it’s been really, really pleasing.”

Cox stands at 193cm and is still growing, with Lyon adding that Cox has the attributes required to develop into a key position swingman.

“Brennan’s quick for a big man and agile. I think that’s the key,” Lyon said.

“They talk about key forwards at 200cm but at the end of the day once you get past around 196cm it really is about agility and speed, and the ability to get back on the ball is a really important feature.

“He’s got that for us, he did a bit of rucking and showed the effects of that.

“That puts pressure on Matthew Taberner, (Shane) Kersten and (Cam) McCarthy to continue to perform, so it’s nice to have a bit more positional depth and it keeps people hungry." 

Cox, who has mostly played forward for Fremantle in his two appearances, has previously stated that he can play his strongest football in defence.

For the Woodville West Torrens Eagles reserves, Cox kicked 20 goals over 11 games in 2016. As a defender, he was named the All Australian centre half back while representing South Australia at the 2016 National U18 Championship.

Lyon also acknowledged Cox’s credentials as a defender.

“He’s made quick ground so it’s a credit to our development coaches who have worked with him and it’s a credit to him,” Lyon said.

“We think his best position is (playing) back by the way, he’s an all Australian centre half back in the under 18s.

“There’s a lot to work with but in league footy, we all know it’s the ability to rise to the challenge of preparation and performance every week.

“We’ll build that resilience and we know that comes with a bit of time as well.”