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Fremantle Dockers coach Justin Longmuir optimistic defender Brennan Cox’s injury ‘isn’t too bad’

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Bonnie RaynorThe West Australian
VideoWWII veteran Arthur Leggett recites the ode ahead of Fremantle's Len Hall clash.

Fremantle will sweat on the results of scans before determining Brennan Cox’s availability for next Sunday’s western derby, but remain optimistic his injury isn’t too bad.

The key defender was substituted out during the final term of Saturday night’s 51-point win over North Melbourne at an empty Optus Stadium after injuring his left ankle.

“He’s rolled his ankle, it doesn’t look too serious at this stage,” coach Justin Longmuir said post-match.

“We’ll have to get it scanned and see how he pulls up.”

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The Dockers enter Derby 52 full of confidence after their third-straight victory of the season, while arch rivals West Coast flew home tonight after their 97-point hiding from Geelong.

Longmuir admitted it was a fortunate time to not be travelling interstate as Perth grapples with the latest COVID-19 outbreak.

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However they won’t get too comfortable, knowing how quickly fixtures can change.

“It’s handy to stay off the planes and sleep in our own beds,” Longmuir said.

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“The travel does take its toll so to spend a period of time at home is handy. We’ll just see what it throws up in with the COVID situation in the next couple of days but it is a handy little stretch we’ve got.”

Captain Nat Fyfe’s goal kicking woes continued, with four behinds last night taking his tally to 11 consecutive missed opportunities.

Longmuir said he wouldn’t buy into conversations on Fyfe’s inaccuracy, as it would take away from his 34-touch display.

“I don’t want to read too much into his goal-kicking because I don’t want it to take any gloss off the rest of his game,” Longmuir said.

“His work around the contest, around stoppages actually helped us win the game tonight so I don’t want to take any gloss off his performance by talking about his goal-kicking.”

“He’s probably rushing the snaps and on the run, he could probably settle, take a bit more time and get a bit closer — especially on the run.

“I’ve got no issues with his appetitive to get better. He has more set shots and shots on goal than anyone else in our side.

“I’m pretty confident they’ll start going through the big sticks (soon).”

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