Sydney coach shows respect, visits Fremantle rooms after narrow loss
Sydney coach Dean Cox entered Fremantle's rooms immediately after losing the preliminary final to congratulate the players and coaches.
After Sydney lost by 12 points in the preliminary final, coach Dean Cox walked into the Fremantle rooms to congratulate the players and coaches. The moment was caught on camera, with Dockers players giving Cox a thumbs-up in return.
Assistant coach Jaymie Graham, who played with Cox at the Eagles in the early 2000s, embraced him. AFL commentators praised the gesture.
Abbey Holmes called it respect, while Dale Thomas said it showed character. Cox spoke to media afterwards with pride in how his team handled a difficult season marked by player suspensions and injuries, including captain Callum Mills' ACL tear.
- 12 points
- Final margin
- 5 Swans
- Players suspended
- 6 unanswered
- Fremantle's final goals
Why it mattersHow a coach handles defeat says as much about their character as winning does, and sets the tone for their team and sport.
AustraliaSydney's season ended in loss but their coach's dignity in defeat offers a lesson in AFL sportsmanship and respect between rivals.
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