The big ruckman will hang up the boots at the end of the 2014 season.
West Coast Eagles veteran Dean Cox will retire at the end of the 2014 AFL season.
The club games record holder made the announcement at a press conference today that this season would be his last.
The 33-year-old six-time All Australian was picked up in the 2001 Rookie Draft and made his debut for the club in Round Two in 2001.
Cox said that injuries were a major reason for his decision, and was looking forward to a coaching role.
“Obviously my future has been a hot topic for much of the season,” Cox said today.
“After having a bit of time to consider everything over the last few days and discussing it with the people close to me, it is time for me to retire.
“I always said I would not keep playing simply to reach a particular number of games and while it would have been nice to be the first player from this great club to play 300 games, the time is right to hand over the baton.
“I want to play out the season, but I am ready to make the transition into a coaching role. I am really looking forward to the next phase of my football involvement as a ruck coach.
“The way they are all playing has made the decision a little easier for me, but it is getting tougher to string games together. My body feels okay, but it is taking a day or two more to recover.”
Coach Adam Simpson said Cox was an exceptional player for the Eagles and that he was ready to step into the role of ruck coach.
“Dean has been a wonderful player – I saw him as an opponent and as an opposition coach before working with him this year,” he said.
“He has been an exceptional player and we have been trying to manage his work load this year, sharing the responsibility with Nic (Naitanui), Scott (Lycett) and Cal (Callum Sinclair).
“Dean has made the decision and I certainly support it. I believe he is ready to transition into coaching. We have already seen the impact he has had in a coaching role with the younger ruckmen and he has so much knowledge to share.
“He can have just as big an impact as a coach as he has had as a player and that’s exciting for the club.”
COMMENTS