Why Fremantle Dockers defender Brennan Cox missed out on selection in Grand Final heartbreak

Dockers coach Justin Longmuir has explained the decision to leave Brennan Cox out of the Grand Final team

--> Brennan Cox and Luke Ryan are seen during the Grand Final parade on September 25, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos FREMANTLE coach Justin Longmuir says maintaining team continuity was the key reason behind the agonising decision not to select Brennan Cox for Saturday's Grand Final, prompting a "really difficult" conversation with the key defender.

Cox was confirmed as the heartbreak story of the Dockers' first Grand Final since 2013, with the 153-gamer unable to force his way into the team after suffering a calf injury on August 22 in the final game of the home and away season.