On the Mark is a weekly series diving into what makes our players tick. Stay tuned for all the latest interviews and AFL news.
After 88 games and eight seasons of AFL it’s hard to believe that Robbie Fox had never dreamed of playing professional football.
Born and raised in Tasmania junior sport was a way of life for his family – in fact, it was a core memory for the now 30-year-old.
“My favourite childhood memory was Sunday afternoons after junior basketball or football,” Fox told Sydney Swans Media for On the Mark.
“My extended family would go to Nan and Pop’s for dinner. We’d sit in front of the fire afterwards and watch the Sunday afternoon footy."
Years later and after a reluctant move to Melbourne the prospect of professional football became apparent. The defender transitioned from a local level of AFL with the Burnie Dockers and joined the Coburg Lions in the VFL competition.
According to Fox, it was during the end of his first year when a recruiter showed interest, that sparked his drive.
“A recruiter rang up and asked, ‘Who’s Robbie Fox?’,” he reflected.
“Ever since then I thought this was amazing. I thought I’d never dream of playing AFL. All I wanted to do was train and play hard. I had a good preseason then went on to have a good year.”
The Sydney Swans rookie-listed Fox in 2016 before he made his AFL debut in Round 2 of the 2017 season.
He has worked hard to cement a position in the 22. He is known for his endurance running – blitzing the 2km time trial in the 2024 preseason – and versatility on the field, playing forward or joining the backline in defence.
In Opening Round against the Melbourne Demons, Fox landed six tackles and kicked a major for his side. Fox credits his parents for success, as well as the late coach of Coburg, Peter German.
“I got my athletic ability from Mum – she was a talented netballer and basketballer,” Fox noted. “And Dad pushed me to join Coburg, he said, ‘It’s such a good opportunity to go, test yourself in the VFL’.”
“Peter German at Coburg really believed in me and thought I could make AFL. He taught me a lot.”
Fox’s dedication to his craft extends past the football field as he completes an MBA. In 2023 the No. 42 won the AFLPA Education and Training Award for his commitment to education and training.
“I like to try different things, I try not to be one-dimensional,” he said of his greatest strengths. “I do my studies, hang out with different friendship groups, play football.
“That’s going to hold me in good stead one day. I like to get up and get my day started. I’m a bit of a go-getter in that sense.”
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