Fremantle key forward Pat Voss says he invites the added selection pressure with the off-season acquisition of Mason Cox joining the squad’s already strong forward and ruck stocks.
Speaking at the Club’s first official media conference of 2026, Voss explained that bringing Cox in has added valuable experience, voice and skills to Fremantle.
“He's (Cox) been good. He's loud, good to play with, brings energy, he's obviously played a lot of football, a lot of time in the system, but he's adjusting to our new system,” Voss said.
“He wants to learn, he's asking questions, he's good for our young guys. He's been unbelievable for our group, he kicks his snags, he gets up and about, so he's been great so far.
“I love playing with him in the forward line.
“100% I think pressure is a great thing. I think the more we can have pressure coming up pushes us.
“It's great competition and pushes us out in training.”
Cox adds to Freo's healthy big man stocks including Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss, Sean Darcy, Luke Jackson and Voss.
In regard to what the forward and ruck mix might lineup like come Round 1 against Geelong in March, Voss said there was a lot to play out.
“We've got some gun ruckmen, and who knows what it's going to look like,” Voss said.
“Coxy, as he showed today, he can play forward, which is awesome.
“Another string we've got to our bow, so who knows what the mix will look like come Round 1."
As the team returns from the Christmas break, Voss says staying fit - but more importantly injury-free - has been a priority for the group.
“We've had new a new Head of Strength come in, and he's been awesome for all the boys and pushing us, and he's been really beneficial for me,” Voss said.
“I've had a fairly uninterrupted off-season and start to my pre-season.
“So that's the main thing for most of the boys. If you can stay injury-free, you're going to naturally with the work the S&C (Strength and Conditioning) guys do, it’s inevitable that you're going to get fitter and stronger and prepare yourself really well for the season.
“Sam Sturt is going pretty well. He's had an ACL injury. He's tracking really well and getting really strong in the gym. I do a lot of work with Josh Treacy, and we sort of bounce off each other.”
Fremantle’s next main training session will take place at the Club’s Cockburn ARC headquarters on Friday 16 January at 9.15am.
