CEDRIC Cox is ready to tick off another challenge after earning a call-up to the AFL combine.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That’s the assessment from Camperdown coach Phil Carse who has watched the Western Australian teenager blossom into a potential draftee in the space of seven months.
Cox arrived at Leura Oval as an impressive but raw half-back flanker and quickly made his mark at Hampden senior and interleague levels before earning a call-up to TAC Cup club North Ballarat Rebels six weeks ago.
His latest accolade – one of 100 players from across Australia invited to the October testing camp –has come as no surprise to Carse.
At least five AFL clubs must have registered interest in a player for them to earn an invite to the Melbourne-based combine.
“He keeps stepping up a level and performing at each level,” Carse said.
“We are over the moon for Cedric. It’s been really well publicised this year the huge leap of faith for him to take from Halls Creek to try and better his footy and we are proud of him. He’s a naturally gifted athletic with speed and agility but he’s also very raw. There’s huge upside to him.”
Carse worked for the Brisbane Lions Academy before moving south two years ago.
He said it was important Cox, and fellow Hampden league invitees Willem Drew, Sean Darcy and Hugh McCluggage, concentrated on their on-field performance before turning their attention to the cap after the season.
“They’re 17, 18 year olds who finish a full football season and then do a mini pre-season for the draft camp, so it’s a big ask,” he said.
“But the ones who are hungry and want a chance at AFL level have a commitment to make.
“I think Cedric has as much raw ability as anyone I have seen. The challenge is to do it in a disciplined environment but I am backing him into do it.”
North Ballarat Rebels talent manager Phil Partington said Cox was an intriguing prospect for AFL recruiters, having only entered the elite pathway program as an over-age prospect.
“They want to see what he can do physically, that’s part of the reason why he’s going to the national combine, and he’s also played some good football and shown AFL recruiters he’s got some talent,” he said.
Partington said Cox was willing to learn and embrace new challenges.
“I certainly like his running capacity, use of the ball and he puts other people in better positions,” he said.
“He’s a very competitive young man as well. He loves the second efforts and tackling side and he seeks a lot of feedback from coaches.
“Camperdown footy club should be proud too of how the boy is playing.”