Brennan Cox only missed one game throughout season 2022, a luxury he hasn’t before been able to enjoy.

Forced to withdraw from Fremantle’s round two clash with St Kilda under the AFL’s health and safety protocols, the key defender would go on to play every game for the remainder of the season – including an integral role in the Club’s first finals win in seven years.

A standout performer against the Western Bulldogs in the elimination final, Cox tallied a career-high 26 disposals (at 92 per cent efficiency), along with eight marks and seven intercept possessions.

It was the bookend of a breakout year for the 24-year-old, who was the benefactor of some much sought-after continuity.

Having previously adopted a ‘swingman’ type role with forward stints in the past, Cox has been able to cement himself down back under the Justin Longmuir gameplan.

A newfound technique in the off-season, Cox points to pilates as a key reason for his regular on-field progression.

“Continuity was something I haven’t had previously,” Cox said.

“It’s probably getting a whole season in, except for one game. It was good to get some continuity and get some consistency and really progress as a backman.

“It was probably a bit of luck, but it started in my off-season doing pilates and a lot more stretching and getting strength under stretch.

“That would have to have played a big part, doing regular pilates throughout the season.”

That continuity was rewarded, with Cox receiving a maiden selection in the All Australian squad of 44, before missing out on the final team of 22.

Cox held eight of his forward opponents goalless throughout the season, including Port Adelaide’s Todd Marshall, Sydney’s Sam Reid and West Coast’s Jack Darling.

He also ranked in the top 15 across the competition in intercept marks, contested marks, spoils, contested defensive one-on-one’s and one-percenters.

“It does give me a lot of confidence. I obviously want to make the final 22 (All Australian team), but it’s a huge honour to make the squad,” Cox said.

“I think there were a few other defenders and players who were stiff to miss out, but it’s a huge honour and hopefully, something I can build on.”

In 2022, Cox took to the field with fellow key defender Alex Pearce almost as many times as he had over the first five seasons of his career.

Running out together 20 times this season, the pair had only played alongside each other 21 times previously.

Cox said the on-field connection grew exponentially this season, along with intercepting back Luke Ryan.

“Moose, this was our first year we’ve had the chance to play together. I think we handled the talls really well and worked together really well,” Cox said.

“(Alex) took the best key forward every week and held them to pretty much nothing. He was very underrated and very stiff not to make the (All Australian) squad.

“Lukey also got to play back in his natural role and didn’t have to play on talls."

With Cox, Pearce and Ryan holding down the fort, it’s the emergence of Freo’s rebounding half-back line in Hayden Young, Heath Chapman, Brandon Walker and Jordan Clark that have added a new dynamic to the Club’s defensive group.

“We’re the defenders and those guys are the attackers…we often call ‘Clarky’ a forward because he gets so high up the ground!” Cox said.

“The way they use the ball and run off half back, and even their ability to defend as well, they’re all two-way threats - so it’s really good to have them.

“They drive the corridor and take the game on which Moose, and I aren’t too good at. Having them in the team really helps the way we like to play.”