Former West Coast star Dean Cox wary of struggling Eagles after taking Adelaide to the brink
Cox will become the eighth former Eagle to coach against his old side when they clash at Optus Stadium on Saturday evening.
It will round out a tough first season for Cox at the helm, with the Swans not playing in September after making last year's grand final against Brisbane.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are $4.90 outsiders to add a second win in their first year under Andrew McQualter.
290-game Eagles premiership player Cox said he would focus on the WA club's nine-point loss to Adelaide from a fortnight ago rather than the 94-point drubbing by the Western Bulldogs when he prepares his team for the clash.
'I'll always love the footy club. I think one thing you always do is when you're a part of that organisation,' he told ABC.
'I always watch from afar with interest. I don't dive deeply in it unless it's in the last month or something when we're coming up against them.
'You're always trying to see some stuff that 'Mini' wants to improve in that playing group and the way he wants to play, and it is going to take time.
'When you have injuries, certainly to a lot of the key players, we found at the start of the year, and they've had through this part of the season is you find out a lot about young kids and where the playing group can go forward.
'We'll look certainly a lot at the Adelaide game and the way they handled that. That was a phenomenal performance. So, we'll be spending most of our time on that one.'
Claremont product Angus Sheldrick is a player who has thrived under Cox, playing a career-best 19 games this season.
The 21-year-old turned down reported overtures from West Coast to return home to sign a three-year extension at the Swans which will tie him to the club until the end of 2027.
'He's had a really impressive season and the good part about it was rewarding him with a contract,' Cox said.
'And for him to want to stay and be a part of this group going forward is a testament, he's worked extremely hard.
'He's had injuries in his first couple of seasons and they haven't been one- or two-week injuries. They've been seven-week, 11-weeks, so to be able to build a season where he's been able to play week-in, week-out has been great for him and his development. We see a bright future at our footy club and are just rapt to have him stay.'
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The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Coach weighs in as AFL grants Crows' wish over slur ban
Adelaide and Izak Rankine remain in discussions with the AFL over his pending ban for a homophobic slur, as a rival coach says the star Crow should not be demonised for his mistake. The AFL on Wednesday granted the Crows' request for additional time to respond to the league's proposed sanction, which reportedly includes a five-match ban that would end Rankine's season. Talks between Adelaide's hierarchy and the AFL will now stretch into a fifth day. Rankine is set to be the sixth AFL-listed player suspended for a homophobic remark to an opponent in the past 16 months. The 25-year-old is facing a ban after admitting making a homophobic slur to a Collingwood opponent during Adelaide's three-point win last Saturday night. Rankine apologised to the unnamed Magpie player on Sunday as the AFL's integrity unit launched an investigation. Collingwood coach Craig McRae, asked on Wednesday if his player involved was OK, replied: "Yeah, I think so. "We had a good chat over the weekend and then again Monday morning just to check in, it's about making sure our players are safe. "But I don't want to demonise Izak either. "Everyone is allowed to make mistakes, and the young lad seems like a really respectful young man and he's made an error. "The AFL will take their own course on that, but you're allowed to make mistakes too." Rankine risks being suspended for the entire finals campaign of ladder-leading Adelaide, returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The Crows have one home-and-away game remaining and are then assured of hosting two finals. Rankine didn't train with his teammates on Wednesday afternoon as Adelaide postponed a scheduled media conference with coach Matthew Nicks until Friday. Approached by reporters at training, Nicks said Rankine is "doing all right" with support from the club. Nicks admitted the intense spotlight in recent days had been a distraction for the Crows ahead of their clash with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. "But no, we're locked in on what we're doing this weekend," Nicks said. "We just put support around Izak because it is a tough thing to go through, and he knows it's going to be tough from here. "But we'll work our way through it." Last month West Coast's Jack Graham was banned for four games for making a homophobic remark to a GWS player. In April last year, Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson was banned for three games, then the following month Gold Coast's Wil Powell was suspended for five matches, both for homophobic slurs. Finlayson was banned for a comment to an Essendon player in last year's Gather Round. Bombers coach Brad Scott said that followed an incident in the 2024 pre-season when an Essendon player made a remark that was picked up on a recording of the team meeting. "The player, they thought it was an innocent comment," Scott told reporters on Wednesday. "It was picked up on the microphone, I addressed it then and there, because ... if you make a comment like that and it's picked up on-field by an umpire's mic, there'll be severe ramifications. "Clearly I couldn't foresee what was going to happen in Gather Round and in subsequent suspensions for those things." Scott again addressed such slurs with his players after Finlayson's ban. "It's disappointing it keeps happening, but we have got to keep educating," he said. "I have a high level of confidence that we don't have a homophobia issue in our game, we have just got a lack of education issue. "And players who, in moments of frustration, use words that they really don't understand the ramifications of the words they're using, but now they do, so there's no excuse." Two VFL players have also recently been banned for directing homophobic slurs at opponents. Sydney defender Riak Andrew last month was suspended for five matches for an anti-gay slur while playing for the Swans' reserves team against North Melbourne. And in July last year, St Kilda's Lance Collard was banned for six games for homophobic comments while playing in the VFL for Sandringham against Williamstown. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578 Adelaide and Izak Rankine remain in discussions with the AFL over his pending ban for a homophobic slur, as a rival coach says the star Crow should not be demonised for his mistake. The AFL on Wednesday granted the Crows' request for additional time to respond to the league's proposed sanction, which reportedly includes a five-match ban that would end Rankine's season. Talks between Adelaide's hierarchy and the AFL will now stretch into a fifth day. Rankine is set to be the sixth AFL-listed player suspended for a homophobic remark to an opponent in the past 16 months. The 25-year-old is facing a ban after admitting making a homophobic slur to a Collingwood opponent during Adelaide's three-point win last Saturday night. Rankine apologised to the unnamed Magpie player on Sunday as the AFL's integrity unit launched an investigation. Collingwood coach Craig McRae, asked on Wednesday if his player involved was OK, replied: "Yeah, I think so. "We had a good chat over the weekend and then again Monday morning just to check in, it's about making sure our players are safe. "But I don't want to demonise Izak either. "Everyone is allowed to make mistakes, and the young lad seems like a really respectful young man and he's made an error. "The AFL will take their own course on that, but you're allowed to make mistakes too." Rankine risks being suspended for the entire finals campaign of ladder-leading Adelaide, returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The Crows have one home-and-away game remaining and are then assured of hosting two finals. Rankine didn't train with his teammates on Wednesday afternoon as Adelaide postponed a scheduled media conference with coach Matthew Nicks until Friday. Approached by reporters at training, Nicks said Rankine is "doing all right" with support from the club. Nicks admitted the intense spotlight in recent days had been a distraction for the Crows ahead of their clash with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. "But no, we're locked in on what we're doing this weekend," Nicks said. "We just put support around Izak because it is a tough thing to go through, and he knows it's going to be tough from here. "But we'll work our way through it." Last month West Coast's Jack Graham was banned for four games for making a homophobic remark to a GWS player. In April last year, Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson was banned for three games, then the following month Gold Coast's Wil Powell was suspended for five matches, both for homophobic slurs. Finlayson was banned for a comment to an Essendon player in last year's Gather Round. Bombers coach Brad Scott said that followed an incident in the 2024 pre-season when an Essendon player made a remark that was picked up on a recording of the team meeting. "The player, they thought it was an innocent comment," Scott told reporters on Wednesday. "It was picked up on the microphone, I addressed it then and there, because ... if you make a comment like that and it's picked up on-field by an umpire's mic, there'll be severe ramifications. "Clearly I couldn't foresee what was going to happen in Gather Round and in subsequent suspensions for those things." Scott again addressed such slurs with his players after Finlayson's ban. "It's disappointing it keeps happening, but we have got to keep educating," he said. "I have a high level of confidence that we don't have a homophobia issue in our game, we have just got a lack of education issue. "And players who, in moments of frustration, use words that they really don't understand the ramifications of the words they're using, but now they do, so there's no excuse." Two VFL players have also recently been banned for directing homophobic slurs at opponents. Sydney defender Riak Andrew last month was suspended for five matches for an anti-gay slur while playing for the Swans' reserves team against North Melbourne. And in July last year, St Kilda's Lance Collard was banned for six games for homophobic comments while playing in the VFL for Sandringham against Williamstown. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578 Adelaide and Izak Rankine remain in discussions with the AFL over his pending ban for a homophobic slur, as a rival coach says the star Crow should not be demonised for his mistake. The AFL on Wednesday granted the Crows' request for additional time to respond to the league's proposed sanction, which reportedly includes a five-match ban that would end Rankine's season. Talks between Adelaide's hierarchy and the AFL will now stretch into a fifth day. Rankine is set to be the sixth AFL-listed player suspended for a homophobic remark to an opponent in the past 16 months. The 25-year-old is facing a ban after admitting making a homophobic slur to a Collingwood opponent during Adelaide's three-point win last Saturday night. Rankine apologised to the unnamed Magpie player on Sunday as the AFL's integrity unit launched an investigation. Collingwood coach Craig McRae, asked on Wednesday if his player involved was OK, replied: "Yeah, I think so. "We had a good chat over the weekend and then again Monday morning just to check in, it's about making sure our players are safe. "But I don't want to demonise Izak either. "Everyone is allowed to make mistakes, and the young lad seems like a really respectful young man and he's made an error. "The AFL will take their own course on that, but you're allowed to make mistakes too." Rankine risks being suspended for the entire finals campaign of ladder-leading Adelaide, returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The Crows have one home-and-away game remaining and are then assured of hosting two finals. Rankine didn't train with his teammates on Wednesday afternoon as Adelaide postponed a scheduled media conference with coach Matthew Nicks until Friday. Approached by reporters at training, Nicks said Rankine is "doing all right" with support from the club. Nicks admitted the intense spotlight in recent days had been a distraction for the Crows ahead of their clash with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. "But no, we're locked in on what we're doing this weekend," Nicks said. "We just put support around Izak because it is a tough thing to go through, and he knows it's going to be tough from here. "But we'll work our way through it." Last month West Coast's Jack Graham was banned for four games for making a homophobic remark to a GWS player. In April last year, Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson was banned for three games, then the following month Gold Coast's Wil Powell was suspended for five matches, both for homophobic slurs. Finlayson was banned for a comment to an Essendon player in last year's Gather Round. Bombers coach Brad Scott said that followed an incident in the 2024 pre-season when an Essendon player made a remark that was picked up on a recording of the team meeting. "The player, they thought it was an innocent comment," Scott told reporters on Wednesday. "It was picked up on the microphone, I addressed it then and there, because ... if you make a comment like that and it's picked up on-field by an umpire's mic, there'll be severe ramifications. "Clearly I couldn't foresee what was going to happen in Gather Round and in subsequent suspensions for those things." Scott again addressed such slurs with his players after Finlayson's ban. "It's disappointing it keeps happening, but we have got to keep educating," he said. "I have a high level of confidence that we don't have a homophobia issue in our game, we have just got a lack of education issue. "And players who, in moments of frustration, use words that they really don't understand the ramifications of the words they're using, but now they do, so there's no excuse." Two VFL players have also recently been banned for directing homophobic slurs at opponents. Sydney defender Riak Andrew last month was suspended for five matches for an anti-gay slur while playing for the Swans' reserves team against North Melbourne. And in July last year, St Kilda's Lance Collard was banned for six games for homophobic comments while playing in the VFL for Sandringham against Williamstown. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578
West Australian
5 hours ago
- West Australian
AFLW: West Coast re-sign young core, including Lucia Painter after standout debut
West Coast rising star Lucia Painter has earned a contract extension after just one AFLW game as part of a young quartet the Eagles have locked away to secure their future. Painter was the Eagles' top pick from last year's draft and made an immediate impact with three goals from 13 touches in their round one win over Gold Coast, earning her a Rising Star nomination. The club has wasted no time in extending the 19-year-old, signing her on until the end of the 2027 season. 'Lou has made a fantastic impression since arriving at the club, with her work ethic, professionalism and appetite to improve, standing out from day one,' list manager Jordan Loxley said. 'In a short period, we've already seen exciting growth in her game, and we're really confident in where she can take her football. 'Her strength around the contest, ability to impact both inside and outside, and composure with ball in hand are exciting traits. 'We see Lou as a key part of our midfield group and a core player for us well into the future.' Painter is one of four re-signings announced on Wednesday, along with Jessica Rentsch (19), Abbygail Bushby (21) and Jaide Britton (22), with the club keen to strengthen their young core. Taken second in the 2023 draft, Rentsch played eight games in her first season and produced the best performance of her fledgling career against the Suns with 12 disposals and 12 tackles as a midfield enforcer. 'As our first selection in 2023, she's continued to impress with her work ethic and growth every session. Winning our Emerging Talent Award in her debut year speaks volumes about the impact she's already made,' he said. 'Her competitiveness and athleticism have again stood out this preseason, and her versatility gives us great flexibility. Jess is a key part of our future and someone we see being a long-term player at our club.' Bushby also started the season strongly, and the Eagles believe there is still plenty of improvement to come. 'Abby has taken her game to a new level this pre-season. 'Her composure and skill around stoppages, both by hand and foot, are real assets to our midfield. We got a glimpse of her talent at AFLW level against Sydney last year, and we're excited to see that level of performance more consistently. 'She's still got so much upside, and we're looking forward to watching her continue to grow and develop.' Britton, 22 is the most experienced of the group, having established herself as a reliable wing and a leader amongst their young group. 'Her endurance and ability to play the wing role with consistency and drive make her a valuable part of our team. She brings professionalism and work ethic every day, and we're really pleased to have her re-sign for another two years.'
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Perth Now
Painter secures extension after stunning debut
West Coast rising star Lucia Painter has earned a contract extension after just one AFLW game as part of a young quartet the Eagles have locked away to secure their future. Painter was the Eagles' top pick from last year's draft and made an immediate impact with three goals from 13 touches in their round one win over Gold Coast, earning her a Rising Star nomination. The club has wasted no time in extending the 19-year-old, signing her on until the end of the 2027 season. 'Lou has made a fantastic impression since arriving at the club, with her work ethic, professionalism and appetite to improve, standing out from day one,' list manager Jordan Loxley said. 'In a short period, we've already seen exciting growth in her game, and we're really confident in where she can take her football. 'Her strength around the contest, ability to impact both inside and outside, and composure with ball in hand are exciting traits. 'We see Lou as a key part of our midfield group and a core player for us well into the future.' Painter is one of four re-signings announced on Wednesday, along with Jessica Rentsch (19), Abbygail Bushby (21) and Jaide Britton (22), with the club keen to strengthen their young core. Taken second in the 2023 draft, Rentsch played eight games in her first season and produced the best performance of her fledgling career against the Suns with 12 disposals and 12 tackles as a midfield enforcer. 'As our first selection in 2023, she's continued to impress with her work ethic and growth every session. Winning our Emerging Talent Award in her debut year speaks volumes about the impact she's already made,' he said. 'Her competitiveness and athleticism have again stood out this preseason, and her versatility gives us great flexibility. Jess is a key part of our future and someone we see being a long-term player at our club.' Jessica Rentsch of the Eagles chases the ball. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos / AFL Photos via Getty Images Bushby also started the season strongly, and the Eagles believe there is still plenty of improvement to come. 'Abby has taken her game to a new level this pre-season. 'Her composure and skill around stoppages, both by hand and foot, are real assets to our midfield. We got a glimpse of her talent at AFLW level against Sydney last year, and we're excited to see that level of performance more consistently. 'She's still got so much upside, and we're looking forward to watching her continue to grow and develop.' Britton, 22 is the most experienced of the group, having established herself as a reliable wing and a leader amongst their young group. 'Her endurance and ability to play the wing role with consistency and drive make her a valuable part of our team. She brings professionalism and work ethic every day, and we're really pleased to have her re-sign for another two years.'
