Nik Cox has penned a two-year deal to remain at Essendon until at least the end of 2026.
The 22-year-old utility continues a run of re-signings for the Bombers with Lewis Hayes, Jye Menzie and Vigo Visentini all committing for next season over the last week.
Fresh off his 50th career game and an uninterrupted stretch of footy this season after overcoming some injury setbacks, Cox is excited by the possibilities that lie ahead for him and the Dons in the coming seasons.
“I’m very excited to re-sign with Essendon, they’ve shown great faith in me since being drafted and I’m confident about the list we’re building and the future ahead,” Cox said.
“I’ve enjoyed some real continuity in my footy this season after a couple of setbacks from injury and I’m jumping at the opportunity to continue to build on that.
“The club, the footy staff and the environment they’ve created is one that’s allowed me to focus on my development and keep improving, so I know my best footy is ahead of me with that kind of support.
“As a team, we’re definitely in a hurry to get better and I couldn’t be more confident in the foundations we’re building to help get us to where we want to go.
“We’re seeing a big group of the boys playing their best footy and together we’re building towards a successful period. That’s what we’re all focused on, and I love that I get to be a part of that future.”
Cox’s fast start to life in red and black after being selected with pick No.8 in the 2020 National Draft showed Bomber fans one of its more versatile talents, featuring in 22 of a possible 23 games in his debut season and earning a Rising Star nomination for his standout performance in the Dreamtime clash against Richmond.
A string of foot and ankle injuries limited Cox to just 11 games in the two seasons that followed, but featuring in the final six games of 2023 at half back allowed some much-needed continuity for the 200cm utility, who’s only missed one game since.
Floating between a number of different roles this season, the search for a defined position has seen Cox highlight his potential all over the ground.
A solid defensive performance from Cox (16 disposals, 26 pressure acts) helped thwart Adelaide’s attack in Essendon’s thrilling three-point road win back in round six, but the occasional move forward this year has also held promising results.
Cox booted three goals as a makeshift forward in the round 12 defeat to Gold Coast but produced arguably his most promising performance of the season to date in his 50th career game against the Crows last week, providing a big spark for the Dons with another three goals and using his rangy frame to advantage as a forward threat.
With even more room for development in future, GM – AFL Daniel McPherson is thrilled to see Cox re-sign for another two years.
“Nik has a big future at Essendon and we’re rapt he’s recommitted for the future. He brings great versatility to our team and his ability to play multiple positions is a real strength,” McPherson said.
“He as an integral part of our young group of players who we hope can take a continuous leap with their football in the years ahead."
