Despite missing Peel’s previous two games of the WAFL finals series, Fremantle forward Brennan Cox says he’s on track to be available for the Thunder’s Grand Final clash with Subiaco on Sunday at Domain Stadium.
If Cox is selected, it will be a third grand final in as many years for the Woodville West Torrent product - contesting the U18 SANFL Grand Final in 2015 and the 2016 SANFL Reserves Grand Final in 2016.
In both cases, Cox came up on the wrong side of the ledger but the versatile forward/defender hopes his experience will hold him in good stead for Sunday.
“Grand finals are just a whole other level,” Cox said.
“There’s regular finals, but when you get to the ‘grannie’, it’s whoever can play better on the day and whoever can bring the intensity and competitiveness.
“There’s a lot of younger boys and a few of the other players haven’t played in a grand final, so it’ll be a good experience for everyone. It shows what level you have to be at to win one.”
After playing 10 out of 11 games for Fremantle since making his AFL debut in round 12 against Brisbane, Cox missed Peel’s qualifying final against South Fremantle and second semi final against Subiaco with groin soreness.
Peel’s week off heading into the grand final has given the 19-year-old even more time to recover and earn selection.
“I’m tracking really well, (last week) was my first week back at training,” Cox said.
“I’ll take it day by day, train well and put my best foot forward for selection. It’s going to be hard with all of the boys training really well.
“The mood’s been really good. Everyone’s been up and about and really happy. It helps when you’re winning but everyone just wants to get to this grand final, we can’t wait to play.”
