Brennan Cox has the ability to feature on either end of the ground in 2019, according to Fremantle defender Alex Pearce.
Cox, who earned a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for a four-goal effort against Adelaide in round 12 in 2018, arrived at Fremantle in 2016 having proved himself as a forward and a defender.
Cox’s aerial ability was on show in 2018, leading Fremantle for contested marks with 27 from his 16 appearances.
With Fremantle running deep for tall forwards following the recruitment of Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb during the NAB AFL Trade Period, Pearce believes the 20-year-old Cox could push for a spot down back.
“I definitely think he’s got an opportunity at both ends,” Pearce said.
“Brennan has a great football brain, when he has the ball in his hands he makes really good decisions and he’s really good at ground level for a big man.
“He played pretty much all of his footy forward last year but I remember he played in defence in a JLT Series game for us against Adelaide and I really liked what he did.
“He’s a really smart footballer and he’s really good to play with…he’s really hungry this year to get in there and cement his spot.”
With or without Cox as a defender, Pearce believes that there will be plenty of jostling for a spot in Fremantle’s backline.
“Griffin Logue is coming back from injury, he will definitely put his hand up for selection,” Pearce said.
“Luke Ryan had a great year last year and Nathan Wilson also had a great year.
“Stephen Hill and Connor Blakely have both played down back, so I think it’s a really good problem to have.
“We have plenty of good guys who can go through there. The next couple of months will be really important for everyone to stamp their authority and cement their spot.”
