Cox 'invested in Swans' as Eagles coaching talk grows

Sydney coach John Longmire (left) is comfortable with Dean Cox (right) being linked to the Eagles. (Michael Errey/AAP PHOTOS)

Dean Cox remains focused on Sydney as momentum grows for the West Coast legend to go home, Swans coach John Longmire says.

The Eagles have already begun the search for former coach Adam Simpson's full-time replacement, with current Sydney assistant Cox emerging as the early frontrunner to replace interim boss Jarrad Schofield.

Former ruckman Cox played 290 AFL games, including the club's 2006 premiership triumph, for West Coast from 2001 to 2014 before joining Simpson's coaching panel.

John Longmire is confident assistant coach Dean Cox has his focus set on Sydney, not West Coast.

He then made the move to the harbour city in 2017.

Cox, 42, has since become an integral cog in the Swans machine and has been widely tipped to be Longmire's successor.

"First and foremost, we don't get really dictated to by what other clubs do or what is going on in other clubs," Longmire said when asked of the club's coaching succession plans.

"Second of all, it's great that Dean's invested in us.

"When you've got a quality assistant coach like 'Coxy', it's great to have him so invested in this footy club.

"I'm sure if those conversations (between the Eagles and Cox) happen at some stage, he'd come and talk to us, but he's completely focused on us.

"We're more than comfortable where it sits."

Putting the coaching speculation aside, Sydney have set their sights on toppling a red-hot Brisbane Lions unit at the Gabba without Justin McInerney.

Justin McInerney.
Justin McInerney in action for Sydney before his injury against the Kangaroos.

Young gun McInerney has been sidelined indefinitely after suffering a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury to his left knee in their 79-point win against North Melbourne last time out.

"He will be in a brace for a couple of weeks and then we'll see how he goes from there," Longmire said.

"PCLs can be a bit unpredictable, so we're not sure what that means.

"It's at least a couple (of weeks) and how much beyond that we're not sure.

"Hopefully it's not a long time because he's such a valuable player for us. He's been outstanding for us this season."

Sydney will welcome back superstar Isaac Heeney from a one-game suspension as Longmire juggles selection headaches around a fit-again Luke Parker and Callum Mills.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store