AFL
Freo give Tigers the heave-ho to continue top-four push

Fremantle defender Brennan Cox has explained his eagerness to get back out on the field with the playing group after tearing his hamstring tendon in round one.

Cox’s return saw the key defender gather 14 disposals, seven marks and play over 77% time on-ground in a Fremantle defence that held the Tigers to just seven goals and 54 points for the game.

“I was really excited to get back. You want to chime in and be out there when they win games,” Cox said on 6PR post-match.

“It’s been a long road, but I’ve had really good help around the Club to try and get back and I’ve really tried to stay positive.

“I’ve been really excited to get back into this side. It’s really good watching on, the boys have played really well all season and it’s hard to watch on the sidelines when they are having wins and winning, but it’s also good to watch on and see them celebrate those things.”

Cox had several moments where he was put to the test with one per cent efforts and pressure acts, with the 25-year-old jokingly admitting it may take some time to regather his speed.

“The hammy feels good, (Jacob) Kozschitzke said ‘good luck catching (Shai) Bolton’ and I said ‘I wouldn’t catch (Toby) Nankervis’,” Cox laughed. 

“I had a few ground balls and tests out there again so as I get further and further into the end of the season, I’ll get more confidence into it as well.”

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 01:30

    Highlights | Hayden Young v Richmond

    Youngy was at his absolute best in the middle and up forward against the Tigers at Optus Stadium!

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  • 10:54

    Justin Longmuir post-match | Round 17 v Richmond

    Hear from Senior Coach JL following the 51 point win over the Tigers

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  • 02:22

    'It's a fun midfield to be a part of' | Andy Brayshaw

    Andy spoke to Kath Loughnan on-field following the 51 point win over the Tigers

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  • 06:51

    Match Highlights | Round 17 v Richmond

    Watch all the highlights in our big 51 point win over the Tigers at Optus Stadium

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  • 01:45

    JT had a career-high night to remember

    Treacy booted a career high 5 goals against the Tigers in round 17

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  • 00:15

    JOM puts the cherry on top!

    O'Meara finishes the game in style

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  • 00:18

    Freddy follows up his good work and gets rewarded!

    Frederick snaps on his left to extend the lead over the Tigers

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  • 00:29

    Andy beats the half time siren with a dribbler

    Brayshaw with a beauty to finish the half

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  • 00:14

    Youngy crumbs and snaps a goal!

    Perfect crumbing from Young in front of goal

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  • 00:51

    Treacy has 3 in the opening term!

    JT has started the game on fire against the Tigers

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  • 00:23

    Chappy from the impossible angle!

    Chapman converts from the boundary against the Tigers!

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Fremantle only conceded four goals after half time, while kicking nine of their own in an effort that Cox said the playing group would be proud of.

“We are really driven by the coaches to really go right until the end,” Cox revealed post-match.

“We came in with a good plan and stuck to it, even with the weather.

10:54

Justin Longmuir post-match | Round 17 v Richmond

Hear from Senior Coach JL following the 51 point win over the Tigers

“The desire from the players to know that it’s not always going to be a blowout, there might be a close game and you need to practise those situations, especially coming close to finals.

“We are really keen to play out games and practice for what happens in finals.”

Fremantle will now face the 13th-placed Hawthorn in Tasmania next week in another vital clash to continue the push for a top four finish.