Nik Cox
Nikolas Cox (born 15 January 2002) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Essendon Bombers in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was recruited by Essendon with the 8th draft pick in the 2020 AFL draft.[1][2][3] He is the son of former VFL player Darryl Cox.[4]
| Nik Cox | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Nikolas Cox | ||
| Date of birth | 15 January 2002 | ||
| Original team(s) | Northern Knights (NAB League) | ||
| Draft | No. 8, 2020 national draft | ||
| Debut | 20 March 2021, Essendon vs. Hawthorn, at Marvel Stadium | ||
| Height | 200 cm (6 ft 7 in) | ||
| Weight | 94 kg (207 lb) | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Essendon | ||
| Number | 13 | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 2021– | Essendon | 20 (9) | |
| 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of the 2021 season. | |||
| Career highlights | |||
| |||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Early football
Cox played football for the Montmorency Football Club in the Northern Football Netball League.[5] He began playing for the Northern Knights in 2019,[6] and had his 2020 season cancelled due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his 2019 season with the Knights, he kicked 9 goals from 10 games, and averaged 12.5 disposals and 4.9 marks a game.[7] Cox represented Vic Metro in the 2019 AFL Under 18 Championships.[8][9][10] He began training with Carlton in late 2019 and early 2020 as part of the NAB AFL Academy.[11]
AFL career
Cox debuted in the opening round of the 2020 AFL season, in Essendon's 1 point loss to Hawthorn.[12][13][14] On debut, Cox collected 9 disposals, 3 marks and 1 tackle.[15] He was reported for striking Hawthorn player Oliver Hanrahan, and fined $2000.[16][17] Cox obtained a Rising Star nomination in round 12 of the season, after he collected 23 disposals and kicked a goal.[18] Cox is likely to miss the rest of the 2022 season after sustaining a Lisfranc injury in May. The young Bomber signed a two-year extension in June that ties him to the club until the end of 2024.
Statistics
- Statistics are correct to the end of round 4, 2021.[19]
Personal life
Cox supported the Western Bulldogs in his youth.[20] He cited his favourite player from Essendon to watch as Alwyn Davey.[21] Cox attended Ivanhoe Grammar School.
Cox has 2 sisters, Alexandra (Ally) and Montana. His sister, Montana Cox is a fashion model and a past winner of the Australia's Next Top Model reality television show.[22]
References
- ^ Robinson, Chris; Massey, Kate (9 December 2020). "AFL Draft 2020: Logan McDonald heads to Sydney with Pick 4, Denver Grainger-Barras goes to Hawthorn". The West Australian. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
- ^ "AFL Draft 2020: Pick-by-pick". The Age. 9 December 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
- ^ Laughton, Max; Waterworth, Ben; Balmer, Matt (10 December 2020). "AFL Draft wrap: Buddy clone goes at Pick 1; Trades galore amid Pies' golden night". Retrieved 21 March 2021.
- ^ "Draft: Sheehan's top tall defenders". North Melbourne Kangaroos Media. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "AFL dream becomes reality for junior stars". Northern Football Netball League Media. 10 December 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ Alvaro, Michael (4 May 2020). "AFL Draft Watch: Nikolas Cox (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)". Aussie Rules Draft Central. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "Nikolas Cox". Aussie Rules Draft Central. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "Pick No.8: Nikolas Cox". essendonfc.com.au. 9 December 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ Beveridge, Riley (1 December 2020). "Going from the 'Big Dog' to the AFL's next big thing". AFL Media. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "Every pick from marathon 2020 national draft". SEN. 9 December 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "Cox, Eyre to train with AFL clubs". Northern Football Netball League Media. 11 December 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ Schmook, Nathan (19 March 2021). "TEAMS: Key Dees in, new Dons named, Lions unleash run machine". AFL Media. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ Cotton, Ben (18 March 2021). "Nik Cox and Harrison Jones two of FIVE Bombers to debut against Hawks". ZeroHanger. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ Ryan, Peter (18 March 2021). "Five new Bombers to take on Hawks". The Age. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "Essendon vs Hawthorn - Player Stats". AFLTables. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "Match Review: Dangerfield verdict is in, Daniher charged". AFL Media. 22 March 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ Hope, Shayne (21 March 2021). "Dangerfield sent straight to AFL Tribunal". Seven News. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "Better late than never: Bomber finally gets Rising Star nom". AFL Media. 7 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ "Nikolas Cox". AFLTables. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
- ^ Ryan, Peter (8 December 2020). "Nik Cox: Australia's next top footballer?". The Age. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "Quick questions: Nik Cox". essendonfc.com.au. 29 December 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ Ryan, Peter (8 December 2020). "Nik Cox: Australia's next top footballer?". The Age. Retrieved 27 March 2021.