Defenders Luke Ryan and Brennan Cox have been acknowledged for their efforts in Fremantle's loss to St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

The pair polled seven votes each, the equal most of any player in the match alongside the Saints' Callum Wilkie.

The pair were a part of a backline that racked up the intercept possessions as St Kilda dominated the midfield battle, with 14 for Cox and 13 for Ryan.

Cox pulled down 20 marks under the Marvel Stadium lights, moving alongside Luke McPharlin’s Club record.

McPharlin took 20 marks in two separate matches across 2006 and 2007, ironically with both of those games being against the Saints.

On top of Cox’s marking tally, the defender also enjoyed career-high numbers to open the 2023 season - including 30 disposals, 22 kicks and seven intercept marks.

Luke Ryan opened his 2023 campaign in strong fashion with a game-high 37 disposals at 92 per cent efficiency and 775 metres gained.

The pair were the only Fremantle players to earn votes in the game.

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COACHES' VOTES v ST KILDA
7 - Brennan Cox (FREO)
7 - Luke Ryan (FREO)
7 - Callum Wilkie (STK)
5 - Jack Sinclair (STK)
2 - Josh Battle (STK)
1 - Mason Wood (STK)
1 - Ryan Byrnes (STK)