The link between Fremantle and a certain SANFL club continued on Friday night at the NAB AFL Draft as Brennan Cox was selected with pick 41.
Cox joins defender Cam Sutcliffe as a fellow Woodville West-Torrens product at the club, and the pair will look to continue the legacy started by retiring legend Matthew Pavlich.
“We still talk about (Pavlich) at the club as one of the best forwards of all time,” Cox said.
“He was huge for Freo and I’d hope to be just half as good as him.”
There were jubilant scenes at the Cox household as his name was read on the live broadcast.
“I’m just over the moon! I couldn’t ask for anything more than to be drafted. This has been a dream since I was a kid, and it has finally come true,” Cox said.
“As soon as my name got called out everyone jumped up in the air and screamed.
“Dad came over and shook my hand and mum gave me a hug. Everyone was overwhelmed and happy.”
Long on the radar of Fremantle selectors, the 193cm key position player firmed as a potential pick when he was named an All-Australian at centre half-back while representing South Australia at the U18 Championships.
Cox averaged three marks a game and highlighted his championships with a defensive shutdown of Josh Battle, who was taken two picks earlier in the draft by St Kilda.
“The recruiters interviewed me three times prior to the draft, so I knew they had interest in me,” Cox said.
“But I didn’t have any idea that they were going to draft me. Freo is a great club with great players. While I was happy to go to any club, Freo is one that I’d love to be a part of.”
While Cox starred as a defender, he’s shown his versatility to play multiple positions, kicking 20 goals with just eight behinds over 11 games for Woodville West-Torrens reserves, including a Grand Final appearance.
Cox’s versatility goes as far as seeing him earn South Australian selection in basketball at the state U20 championships earlier in 2016.
With a basketball background, there’s no surprise that Cox fared strongly in the draft combine – placing third in the left foot running vertical jump and finishing just outside the top-10 with a 2.97 second 20m sprint.
The 18-year-old kept his eye on the prize during his draft year and thanked his parents for their support no matter how he fared on the field.
“I’d definitely thank mum and dad, especially for supporting me when I’m not playing my best,” Cox said.
“And for driving me everywhere and keeping me level-headed when I was playing well.
“I’d also like to thank my friends for knowing what I was aiming to achieve, and understanding that I couldn’t come to parties and stuff like that!”
