#13 Nik Cox - thru 2026 (Part 1)

[ClayJames]

So the nickname ‘Unicorn’ is not referring to the same thing that the nickname ‘Horse’ is? surely with big Coxy.

[handypoint]

@Laverde2Langford

@Catherine_Lio

It must be a tough and lonely existence to be a gay male AFL footballer.

My understanding is there are examples at clubs that have been told not to come out by administration…

Just watched the Slobbo interview and Nik was actually awesome in his reply to the best thing outside of playing is that it’s great seeing kids look up to him.

What a ■■■■■■■■ then follow up question for him to ask about a girlfriend.

@Catherine_Lio and @Laverde2Langford I now fully get the context which you were posting in.

Memo any Essendon Supporter, make sure you remind Slobbo just how much of a ■■■■■■■■ he actually is if you do find yourself in his presence.( tastefully of course)

[barnz]

HELLO!!! CAN YA HEAR ME BUCKZ???

10/10 I am not a cat vibes from the dinosaur.

[Milanista28]

From memory I think Robbo has asked a few of the nominated players that question.

[handypoint]

Yeah it was just how and where he wanted to take the interview.

I don’t think asking someone if they have a partner in crime is a bad special interest question. Perfectly fine in context.

He asked it in the context of what’s the best thing outside football?

And then insinuated that it should be interest from girls.(plural)

Especially when he’s actually proud of being looked up too as a footballing role model, not a man about town.

It was a question more suited to say Shane Warne than I dunno maybe Michael Hussey for example.

[Donslaught9]

@Speedy_Gonzales

“But now, I couldn’t be happier (at Essendon). There’s a great bunch of people there, not only the players, but the coaches, the staff and everyone at the club. I just couldn’t be happier.

“There are times when I just don’t want to leave the club because it’s so enjoyable just being there. And sometimes you don’t want to cop the traffic on the way home, so I’ll just stick around."

This is really pleasing to hear.

I think he has arrived at the club at the very right time after the remova… sorry, trading of 3 of our more unhappy campers in 2020.

He seems really grounded (like our other draftees this year) which is good. The hype/expectations could be a bit overwhelming for some people… I just hope we leave him alone now and let him play footy and develop further.

[Benny40]

Cox mentioned his current weight is 90kg. Website says 87kg. Wants to keep his endurance as a weapon, so likely target is 95-97kg to keep his running power.

Not that far to bulk up.

[Captain_Jack]

@chris_64

I know we want to get lots of games into them, but all 4 of the 18-20 year old players who played 8-12 games in the first half of the season need to be managed carefully in the second half.
Even players over 24 get “banged up” get niggles, lose weight over the season, and these are match hardened tough players. Nik Cox is no exception. We have several other players who can play on the wing, Like Shiel, Ham, Langford, Merret

Carefully managed? I reckon l read this nearly every day on here, as if it is a novel idea. Nik has already said that his training and playing load is being carefully monitored by those responsible for the health and welfare of all players on the list.

Being carefully managed is what is happening already, and has been happening ever since the players came back for preseason training. There is no need for anyone else to worry whether or not it is going to happen.

[Heskickingbloodygols]

These 19 year old kids are so much mature then I was at that age!

He sounds like a ripper.

[Captain_Jack]

@Speedy_Gonzales

Already setting the competition alight with his versatile skillset, round 12 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee Nik Cox has praised the Bombers’ environment, saying he “couldn’t be happier” in the first year of his AFL career.

Essendon’s first selection (No.8 overall) in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, Cox made his debut in round one and has played every game since.

The 19-year-old revealed the Bombers kept him guessing in the lead-up to the draft.

“They kept their cards pretty close to their chest, but ‘Truck’ (senior coach Ben Rutten) rang me about two minutes before I got picked and I was speechless,” Cox said.

“But now, I couldn’t be happier (at Essendon). There’s a great bunch of people there, not only the players, but the coaches, the staff and everyone at the club. I just couldn’t be happier.

“There are times when I just don’t want to leave the club because it’s so enjoyable just being there. And sometimes you don’t want to cop the traffic on the way home, so I’ll just stick around."

Cox praised senior coach Ben Rutten’s early influence and the confidence he had instilled in the Northern Knights product.

“From the moment I got to the club, he’s (Rutten) had confidence in me and said there’s no reason why you can’t have an impact immediately,” he said.

“He just told me what I need to do in terms of the way we want to play on the wing, and he said just bring your natural strengths. He’s made me feel really comfortable out there. Truck is doing a great job with everyone. He’s making it a great place to be and a great place to learn.

Testimony to Truck resetting the culture at Essendon. These comments would never have been heard while Worstfault was head coach, as such an idea would have been way beyond the limits of his imagination.

[Alber_Goodthur]

@Milanista28

From memory I think Robbo has asked a few of the nominated players that question.

Doesn’t really make it any better. It’s got nothing to do with Robbinson, let alone the general public.

[mdso]

Sounds like our former coach is doing a great job mentoring at Carlton.

[andrewb]

He’s really strong already, one of those wiry sorts. NicNat tackle a good example. I reckon just focus on letting his body fill out naturally rather than trying to add to many gym kilos

[WindsockBoy]

And let’s not forget the Sidearse tackle.
Plus being reported in his first game.
Warms the cockles of the heart over the Bye round.

[Loflyer]

@Speedy_Gonzales

“There are times when I just don’t want to leave the club because it’s so enjoyable just being there. And sometimes you don’t want to cop the traffic on the way home, so I’ll just stick around."

Wait until he discovers Fletch in a sleeping bag in the broom closet. Seriously heartening read though, love knowing this stuff. Zach, stick around mate and you’ll be leading these boys.

[Tombob]

Even Barrett’s onboard

IF …

it took 12 rounds …

THEN …

it was probably eight too long. But Nik Cox is now eligible to win the 2021 Rising Star. And if he can maintain his form, he will win it.

[handypoint]

I am happy either way. It’s not like Dusty,Fyfe,Ablett, Judd,Franklin etc won it.

Stoked he’s been nominated though, adds to the good vibes around the club.

Wanna see Hazza and Perko get a nod too now.

[Clone_Hirdy]

@mdso

Sounds like our former coach is doing a great job mentoring at Carlton.

I will not hear another bad word said about Whoosha. He is a fantastic coach and Carlton are very lucky to have him.

[handypoint]

Woosha has coached premierships, captained and played in premiership sides.

Basically anyone who has a genuine crack at this bloke for not being good at his job is a bit of a peanut.

[dingus]

Then whack me in a bowl and shell me.

He’s rubbish.