Fremantle Executive General Manager of Football Joe Brierty has praised the professionalism and work ethic of Brennan Cox and Brandon Walker as they strive for round one availability.
“He's going really well (Brennan Cox). I think he did a three-hour cross-training session in the altitude room the other day, which is probably the longest one I’ve ever heard of,” Brierty told TAB Touch Radio on Tuesday.
“It speaks to the work that he’s been doing since he’s been off legs after the stress reaction. So, he’ll start to transition to on field running now, and then obviously working towards round one availability.
“From the start of what he’s done (his injury), he’s still on track (for round one), and the way he’s gone about it in terms of making sure he’s ready to go is great to see."
Cox has been a key figure in Fremantle’s defence in previous years, with the 25-year-old posting a career-high 20 marks against St Kilda in round one of last year, equalling the Club's all time record. Cox also averaged 7.2 spoils per game for 2023, which is rated as above average by Champion Data.
Brierty also praised fellow defender Brandon Walker after he played his first match minutes in the Club’s intraclub last Friday.
“It’s been meticulous. We know the athlete that Brandon is, and it’s probably a call out to James Grierson who oversees our reconditioning program,” Brierty said.
“He’s (Grierson) worked really closely with Brandon, as have a number of our performance health staff, but he (Walker) has been the ultimate professional and he’s come back in really good shape which is great to see.
“There is always a bit of a rush this time of year in terms of handling the footies, and with the pressure and intensity that comes from game-like situations, it will be something that is great for a few boys that haven’t played as much footy to be exposed to leading into round one.
Fremantle will play West Coast in a match simulation as part of the team’s first hit out against an opposition Club on Saturday 24 February at Lathlain Oval.
