Dean Cox

[Mountain Man]

I'm looking forward to the impact McVeigh has with the VFL squad as coach.

For a few years they have not looked a true "development" environment (nor been particularly competitive) and with McVeigh's experience with Cox and an AFL standard generally, there should be upside for the marginal players being identified elsewhere.

[Thunder Shaker]

An article on the AFL website. With one phone call, Dean Cox's coaching career hit fast forward

[KSAS]

Thanks TS. Good insight on how Cox sees the challenge in RECOVERING the team after 2 GF disasters, whilst being realistic that it will be tough.

Also gave me insight how our coaching handovers appear to happen organically without any premeditated agreement. It avoids frictions as it's done in good faith. In Cox's case knocking back WC offer (and returning to WA), knowing his chance at the Swans will come at some point. It was similar when Horse took over from Roos. Both were honest to realise they were done.

We're fortunate to have this level of faith & trust in practice at the club.

[MattW]

I like Dean. I think he's warmed into the role this year and I have been convinced by what he's said in his press conferences. His response to the question at 8 minutes in this press conference re beating Brisbane is a good example of why: https://youtu.be/m5zu2Rw54k8?si=I4AppsP2epWCIpaG.

[KSAS]

I think that amazing QF win on Saturday has certainly now cemented Cox as a genuine smart coach, made of the right stuff to lead the club for the long term. We have a good one.

Heard alot of post game analyses, who were all full of praise of Cox and his coaching team. for the brilliant strategies implemented (along with the players motivation), which resulted in that famous win.

Even before Saturday's win, i was puzzled why Cox wasn't even in the conversation for Coach Of The Year in the media, considering he got us to finish 2nd in only his 2nd year, after finishing 10th last year. Most wins in a single H&A season, whilst with a challenging injury list.

Think the media will now finally catch on.

[mcs]

Spot on KSAS. That was an absolute tactical masterclass on Saturday, against one of the best coaches we've seen in the modern era. You can't expect everything to come off as spectacularly as it did on Saturday week in week out, but Cox is doing a hell of a lot right thus far. And all within the context of the awful stuff off the field too.

If he can do the same twice more, the media will have no choice but to catch on, because he will be a Premiership Coach. I have no doubt, even if 2026 proves a step too far, that he has all the ability to be a Premiership Coach at some point.

[Nico]

One thing I've picked up is he is "development coach". He is prepared to back his less experienced players and give them a role to play. The amazing stat from the game that stood out for me was Billy Cootee playing 90% TOG. He had the job on Zorko and negated him to a large extent. A lot of Zorko's possessions were under pressure. A testament to Billy's fitness and concentration.

[liz]

One thing I've picked up is he is "development coach". He is prepared to back his less experienced players and give them a role to play. The amazing stat from the game that stood out for me was Billy Cootee playing 90% TOG. He had the job on Zorko and negated him to a large extent. A lot of Zorko's possessions were under pressure. A testament to Billy's fitness and concentration.

I thought it was Campbell who was largely responsible for Zorko.

[Nico]

I thought it was Campbell who was largely responsible for Zorko.

Maybe, but I saw Billy running with him at times. Possibly they tag teamed him.