As we touched down in Melbourne for the 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final, Dean Cox fronted the media to chat through the decision to not play captain Callum Mills, the latest on forward Logan McDonald, the sustained success of the Swans, his relationship with Brodie Grundy and how his past experience is helping prepare the players as best as possible.

On Callum Mills not playing on Saturday

"One thing that he's always done since he's been involved in the football club is put the team first," Cox said.

"His approach certainly throughout the year and certainly the last couple of days has been unbelievable through a really tough time. Callum got through all that was asked for him at the training session and the decision between the medical staff and coaching staff as well. We sat down for a period of time and spoke through everything. The decision was the one that we made and then Callum was informed of that.

On Mills' role in the Grand Final

"Just what he's done all year. And that's lead in the best way he possibly can without being on the field. He's been admired from certainly the players and all staff at the football club for what he's done through some tough times. And he's just another one he'll deal with. 

"There was always a risk with the time frame. So the training session was a certain amount of that and game loads are a lot different. The decision was made by everyone."

On the experience of Reid's injury in the 2022 Grand Final

"You've just got to play everything on its merits. Sam was a little bit different to Callum this time. We made the decision what was best for the footy club for this Grand final and for Callum as well."

On Logan's ankle injury sustained in the Preliminary Final

"He trained really well yesterday, so his ankle's fine. Got through everything we asked of him and he's ready to go.

On his experience of losing a Grand Final and winning one year later

"This playing group has matured a lot since the last time they played in a Grand Final.

"I think one thing is you've got to play what's in front of you, and this group at the minute has been really driven, methodical in their approach to the way they've prepared.

"At the start of the year, we realised we play some really good footy. We've done it for a long period of time and we just need to do it again on Saturday. They're aware of that and confident in what they've done. 

On his relationship with Brodie Grundy and his impact on the playing group

"He's been a pleasure to work with. I think that's the reason as well why we went so hard when it was available through the trade period. His attention to detail, how much he still wants to learn and how curious he is with that.

"That's really appealing from a coach's perspective - he has always wanted to do what he possibly can for his teammates.

"He gets another opportunity which is really good for him. And also the footy club has changed the way we play. And hopefully he can have a big impact come Saturday."

On what makes the Sydney Swans a great club

"One thing I always admired about Sydney was the respect we had when we were playing against them. About the outfit they were, the club they are, and that's what I've really enjoyed since I've been here. It's seven years now (and it's special) to be a part of such an unbelievable organisation.

"They constantly give their players and staff and supporters a chance to play 'September Football' and has been really pleasing to learn from so many greats at the footy club as well. It's been completely unbelievable."

On learning off John Longmire and working at the Swans

"I'm learning (a lot) from him. He's impeccable, and what he does (in terms of) how he handles football rather than the playing group is first class.  I'm continually learning every day off John, and I'll continue to do so.

"I've always been really passionate about where I work, and now Sydney's no different. So, the West Coast are my playing days and my early coaching career but I'm focused solely on what happens here"

On facing the Brisbane Lions

"They're an unbelievable outfit. I think what they've done as a footy club, and not only this year, but they were a kickoff wining the Premiership last year.

"They've got a really experienced, hard-earned team, and that's why they're doing what they do late in games. They know how they each other play. They stand up in those big moments.

"We've been fortunate in the back end of the year to play Collingwood in the period, GWS in the third spot, and where we were in those positions as well. So I think that's the maturity of both playing groups. That they can withstand that. and stick to what they know works."