Sydney Swans assistant coach Dean Cox has given the club’s fans an insight into the “in-depth, lengthy process” behind reviewing and previewing games.
Cox will take on a more wholistic perspective in the review-preview process in season 2020 after recently adding to his set of responsibilities.
While the West Coast Eagles great has continued in his role as Sydney’s ruck coach, he’s also been assigned to overlooking on-field strategy and performance analysis.
Cox, who played 290 AFL games with West Coast before joining Sydney’s coaching panel ahead of the 2018 campaign, offered a glimpse into how the coaching team operates during the footy season.
“All coaches watch the game and review it within their own little area, and then we come together on Monday, watch it again as a group and plan how we want the week to run from there,” Cox told SwansTV.
“It’s about what we need to review from the game – things we did well and things we need to work on – and what we need to work on throughout the week leading up to facing the opposition the following week.
“It’s a pretty in-depth, lengthy process, but by the time Monday afternoon comes around we’re all aligned.
“We do the review, which might go for an hour or two, and then the players are ready to attack the opposition the following week.”
The off-season has also seen Brett Kirk move into a role in development, John Blakey switch to the defensive unit, Tadhg Kennelly jump to the midfield brigade and Jarrad McVeigh join the coaching set-up.
McVeigh will oversee the Swans’ midfield department alongside Kennelly after calling time on an illustrious 325-game career at the end of season 2019.
Cox is an avid supporter of the new make-up of the coaching panel.
“I think the restructure is great,” Cox said.
“One thing the Swans have always done that I’ve realised from afar and since being here is develop their people within.
“It’s a really good opportunity for us to individually experience new challenges and new roles.”
In his continuing role as ruck coach, Cox is working with big men Sam Naismith, Callum Sinclair, Hayden McLean, Michael Knoll and Joel Amartey.
Although Naismith isn’t due to return for pre-season training until Monday, the 28-game Swan has been tackling plenty of laps at Moore Park’s Lakeside Oval.
The QBE Sydney Swans Academy product is hoping to reignite his AFL career after an injury-hampered two seasons.
Meanwhile, McLean, Knoll and Amartey all signed fresh one-year deals at the end of season 2019.