Rising Bomber grounded for 2025 but will play on next season

2 months ago 45

Essendon utility Nik Cox will not play again this season after consultation with the AFL’s concussion panel, but is aiming to continue his career in 2026.

The 23-year-old suffered a head knock before Christmas that kept him sidelined for an extended period. He returned to play against North Melbourne in the VFL, but was again sidelined as his concussion symptoms returned after his following match against Sydney.

Nik Cox’s career will continue next year

He appeared before the AFL’s concussion panel in June at a similar time as West Coast veteran Jeremy McGovern, however, unlike the Eagles premiership defender, Cox was not told to retire immediately.

“After meeting with an independent AFL medical panel regarding my concussion history, I’m pleased that I’ve been cleared to continue my playing career. Whilst I’m disappointed that I won’t return to the field for the remainder of the 2025 season, this time away from the game will be used to focus fully on my health, recovery, and building the strongest possible foundation heading into pre-season,” Cox said.

“I’m incredibly grateful to my club, teammates, medical staff, and everyone who has supported me through what’s been a challenging and uncertain period. I’ve learned a lot about myself over the past few months, and I’m more motivated than ever to get back to doing what I love.

My focus now is on continuing to work closely with specialists and the club to make sure I’m in the best place physically and mentally to return to football.”

Cox took leave at the advice of the panel and then returned to the Hangar to meet with club officials early this week to discuss the plan of attack for the top-10 pick in 2020 who has now played 53 matches for Essendon.

The talented utility had an outstanding opening season playing 22 matches before injuries derailed the following two seasons.

He then played 20 matches in 2024, missing one match after being put in the concussion protocols following a knock against the Gold Coast that season.

Cox is contracted until the end of 2026.

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