We had the pleasure of welcoming former West Coast Eagles player Dean Cox to Boffins. Watch our interview with Dean or read the transcript below. Signed copies of Dean's book, Iron Eagle, are available at Boffins now.
BH: Hi Dean, thanks so much for coming into Boffins. How old were you when you played your first game of AFL with Dampier Sharks?
DC: I started playing when I was 8. I played there until I was probably 14. Then I had three years off and played basketball and then came back when I was 17 and played before I moved to Perth.
When you came to Perth, that was 1999 wasn't it? And you played for the East Perth colts. What advice would you give to an aspiring player AFL player plaing with the WAFL colts now?
I think basically just work on a lot of the footy fundamental stuff. Obviously a lot of the skills that are involved in footy, the more grades you step up, the less tiume and space you have. So if you can master those fundamentals, ground balls obviously, a lot of the contested stuff, you can put yourself in good stead for the future.
And keep your fitness up?
Keep your fitness up, yes, I know! I found that out the hard way.
I think my grandsons are too! I'll never forget I watched the 2006 Grand Final in Sydney where I lived there with just one other person who was barracking for the Eagles. It was an amazing time because Sydney followers are very, um...if the team's going well they follow it, if they aren't they ignore it! Interesting bunch of people. That must've been the top of your list, that year, as it was such a bitter pill the year before...so apart from that grand final and your first and last games, what's a game that stays in your mind as being something that you'll never forget?
Yeah, I suppose your first game is probably the biggest one after the grand final. But then I suppose the games where you play milestone games for your best mates and your teammates. So, obviously your 250ths, for Glassy, for Embers, his last game with Adam Selwood as well..that probably sticks out in my mind even though we got flogged.
In your opinion, who's the most courageous opposition player, and who's the one you most admire?
I suppose the most courageous, I've been fortunate enough to play with a few that sort of...Jonathan Brown was, Joel Selwood is now, Luke Hodge sets an example there. And I suppose the person I probably admire the most is Matthew Priddis or Rowan Jones. Players that work extremely hard, who aren't blessed with a lot of strengths but who work so hard on their game and leave no stone unturned.
Dean thanks so much for coming into Boffins this morning. Best of luck with your future in coaching and mentoring, I know you'll nail these careers as you have playing AFL.
