NORTH Adelaide tall Timeka Cox is hoping to cement her spot in the reigning premiers’ best 21 in season 2023, with the top-age AFL Women’s Draft hope dreaming of big things. Having represented her state at underage level including on the Adelaide Oval against Vic Country, the South Australian is hoping to take her game to another level next year.

Hailing from a town just under three hours from Adelaide, Cox had a more modern transition from junior footballer into senior hopeful. Her work over the years was noticed by the South Australian state selectors, with the 178cm utility comfortable in a variety of roles.

“I started off playing in Port Pirrie where I live right now,” Cox said. “I started playing with the boys at Port Football Club and then I just did an Under 16s carnival and then I got picked up by North from there and have been here for two years coming into my third.

Starting her career with and against her male peers had its challenges, but Cox was able to work out how to perform on the field and kept herself focused for bigger honours in the future.

“It’s a bit difficult because you kind of like, are they going to go hard on me, do I go hard on them?” she said. “It was a very difficult situation as well. But my club supported me and just go play footy and that’s all you’ve really got to do.”

Describing her versatility as one of her greatest strengths, Cox has covered just about every key position role one could think of, but she does have a preference.

“I played mainly ruck during my juniors but then I moved to forwardlines, then I moved to backlines, so I’m pretty versatile,” Cox said. “I can play anywhere. But I prefer forwardline or backline.”

The North Adelaide talent is also happy with her aerial ability, competing strongly be it under pressure or uncontested. She does hope to improve her fitness and strength heading into 2023 as she hopes to find a place in a strong Roosters outfit.

As for the club itself, Cox said the playing group is hungry to go back-to-back under Krissie Steen, with the culture and atmosphere incredible.

“We all support one another so it’s pretty good on and off the field,” Cox said. “We’re all quite cliquey, as everyone gets along with everyone. Coaches, staff are really supportive of you and they’ll help you get wherever you want to go.

“Culture’s pretty’s high, we just love one another so it’s really good feeling to be out there with the girls.”