Fremantle to unleash Mason Cox and Luke Jackson in ruck against West Coast
Justin Chadwick
Mason Cox is being encouraged to go big and bold when he makes his Fremantle debut in Sunday’s western derby clash with West Coast.
Fremantle gave Cox a lifeline after he was sacked by Collingwood at the end of last season and the 35-year-old will start in the derby, replacing Sean Darcy (concussion).
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir confirmed the news on Friday that the Dockers would launch a two-pronged attack featuring Cox and Luke Jackson.
Cox played 139 games for Collingwood over 10 seasons, including the club’s premiership run in 2023.
The 211cm American is known for his swagger and brashness, traits that Longmuir has encouraged Cox to continue at Fremantle.
“We want him to be himself and put himself out there,” Longmuir said.
“He’s been doing this since he came to the club. He’s been doing this in training, in the gym.”
“So we wouldn’t ask him not to do that on game day.”
Cox has averaged 39.5 tackles, six marks and 21.5 tackles across his two WAFL benches this season.
But since he was ahead of Darcy in the pecking order, Cox had to wait patiently.
Star midfielder Hayden Young also earned his name after overcoming a left hamstring strain.
“He’s been our best player in Peel for two games so far and he was actually just waiting for an opportunity,” Longmuir said.
“My message to him over the last three or four weeks has been to make sure you’re in good shape when the opportunity arises and he’s done that.”
Young has a recent history of soft tissue injuries, most notably having undergone right hamstring surgery last year, but Longmuir is keen to keep the 25-year-old in midfield with brief stints in attack.
“Although his minutes will change slightly in the first week in terms of forward-middle balance, he will continue to play the same role,” Longmuir said.
“He is one of our best center players, so we want him to be in a position where he can best influence the game.
“And we feel like we’ve worked through his injuries and he’s had a really good rehab.”
Forward Michael Fredrick will also return from an ankle injury, but Jaeger O’Meara will be sidelined for an extended period after suffering a facial fracture in training this week.
“He’s a well-liked teammate. Seeing him go to training scared us a bit,” Longmuir said.
West Coast (2-3) will be without midfielder Deven Robertson (ACL) for the remainder of the season, while Jack Graham is booked for shoulder surgery and will be out for approximately two months.
AAP
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