MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 08: Swans assistant coach Dean Cox talks to his players during the round eight AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Sydney Swans at Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 08, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

West Coast premiership ruckman Dean Cox has been identified as a future senior coach in waiting.

Cox is a highly regarded coach and has been at Sydney since 2017, following an amazing playing career at West Coast. According to Sydney assistant Jarred McVeigh, the 2006 premiership ruckman and six-time All-Australian has been doing a great job learning the craft under John Longmire.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Swans head coach John Longmire looks on during the 2016 AFL Grand Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Western Bulldogs at Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 1, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

McVeigh said Cox's understanding of the game and football IQ made hima very valuable asset.

"He’s been fantastic for us," McVeigh said on Sportsday WA.

"Really smart and great knowledge of the game. I think he’ll be a senior coach one day definitely. Whether that’s now or in the future, I’m not too sure."

McVeigh says Cox demonstrates great ability working with the young players coming through.

"His nous around stoppages and his care for our younger players is really top notch," he said.

"He’s got a great footy brain and he’s working on all the other types of stuff that coaching involves.

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"I’m sure he’ll be a senior coach one day and hopefully for him it’s soon."

Cox begun full-time coaching with three years under Adam Simpson at West Coast before making the move to the Swans.

Sydney take on West Coast this Sunday at 1.10pm at GMHBA Stadium.