Essendon swingman Nik Cox is set to play his first game at AFL level in 630 days when the Bombers host the Lions at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
Selected by the Dons with Pick 8 pick in the 2020 National Draft, 200cm Cox burst onto the scene, exciting Essendon fans with his pace and athletic ability.
He played 22 games in his debut season (2021), but has tallied a further 31 since - and none in the past two seasons, with multiple concussions cruelling his career.
Now 24, Cox suffered a concussion in Round 22 2024 before going down again during a training session months later, just prior to Christmas.
His symptoms lingered throughout the pre-season, but he eventually returned to VFL level and played two games before he was again sidelined again and placed in concussion protocols.
In June 2025, Cox faced the AFL's independent concussion panel, which recommended he sit out the remainder of the 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 last July.
"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."
In November last year, after successfully meeting all benchmarks, he was allowed to reintegrate into full training.
Cox has been in good form in the VFL this season, kicking six goals across the past three weeks, including three in the Round 4 win against the Suns. He finished with 19 touches in last week's loss to Collingwood.
The 24-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season.
