Sydney coach Dean Cox has shown his class after his side’s heartbreaking preliminary final loss to Fremantle, heading into the Dockers’ change rooms to congratulate the winners.
Only minutes after the visitors produced a stunning comeback to secure their place in the grand final with a 12-point win, Channel Seven’s cameras captured the reaction of their players to the West Coast legend passing on his well wishes.
He made his way across their meeting room to share a handshake with Fremantle assistant Jaymie Graham, who was both a teammate and coaching colleague throughout his time at the Eagles.
Without five of their best players due to the imposition of club suspensions for their behaviour in the wake of a win over Essendon last month, the second-placed Swans were gallant throughout the finals series.
They opened their September campaign with a remarkable 53-point victory over back-to-back reigning premiers Brisbane and headed the Dockers for much of their preliminary final, before appearing to tire late.
Sydney’s playing ranks were thinned further when they lost captain Callum Mills and veteran defender Harry Cunningham to injuries after they defeated the Lions.
Meanwhile, All Australian Tom Papley was hampered against Fremantle after copping a succession of big hits throughout the game.
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