TWELVE months ago, football was not on Cedric Cox’s mind. In fact – he had not played for a whole year.

But that all changed when Cox contacted his former school teacher James Castles to begin his football career. The move which saw his life change forever when the Western Australian moved to Camperdown in country Victoria, two and a half hours south-west of Melbourne.

Cox’s year moved quickly where he went from playing locally at Camperdown in the Hampden Football Netball League, to playing alongside 2016 TAC Cup Morrish Medalist Hugh McCluggage in the North Ballarat Rebels team. Without Castles however, Cox would not have reached such destinations.

“Back in my community, I had a teacher who came to the Kimberly and really wanted to know me and my background,” Cox said.

“He influenced me and really wanted me to do something with my life and influence me to come to Melbourne.

“He wanted to give me a chance to do something with my future.”

Cox caught the eye of many in the Hampden League interleague match, where he used his blistering speed and agility to get around opponents.

“After that (game), that’s when I met (North Ballarat Rebels’ coach) Gerald Fitzgerald and got me into TAC Cup,”

“He got me to a few training sessions with the North Ballarat Rebels, they wanted me to be a part of it.”

In his 10 games, Cox averaged 15 disposals and four marks – mostly playing across half-back as well as stints inside forward 50 through the Rebels’ TAC Cup Finals campaign. It was after his game against the Calder Cannons in late July where his AFL aspirations were apparent.

“After my fifth game at the Rebels I got few talks from my coaches, telling me that there is stuff coming up and it’s real serious and should take it on board.”

Brother Daniel was also on Fox 8’s TV Show ‘The Recruit’ finishing second overall, which was filmed earlier in the season. The pair had the chance to train and play together, with Daniel playing for the North Ballarat Roosters in the VFL during the season.

“It was real great that I had someone to learn off and I hope that he keeps pushing forward with his footy and focus on what is next,” Cox said of his brother.

Cox’s long journey concluded with a chance to run out in front of a few thousand strong crowd at Punt Road on Grand Final Eve representing ‘Team O’Loughlin’ in the NAB AFL Under 18 All Stars match. Cox had a quiet day with just the nine disposals, three marks and two inside 50s playing mainly across half back. The game also provided him a chance to play alongside cousin and likely top 10 draftee Sam Petrevski-Seton.

“It was real great playing with him. I’ve been playing with him since we were 16 years old…it brings back memories, it was real great,” Cox said.

Since that last day in September, Cox returned home to Halls Creek post the National Combine to spend some time with family in the lead up to November’s big day. North Melbourne and Western Bulldogs recently flew up to visit, but Cox is not fazed where he is selected in the draft.

“You don’t really know if you’re going to get picked. It’s up to them what pick they’re going to pick you,” he said.

“I’ve always been travelling a lot, being away from family and I’ve always had that support and never been homesick ever since. I just want to do something with my life and want to make my community proud and my family.”

On the football field, Cox’s strengths lie in his speed and his vertical leap. His return home to Halls Creek in the last few weeks was a disappointing one for his mates who have grown so close with him since coming to Camperdown in February. Cox has been a part of the local basketball team with his mates and the trip back home saw him miss multiple games after his teammates declared the speedster was a “gun” on not only the football field but the basketball court too.

A national combine invite saw Cox interviewed by multiple clubs, as well as testing for the four days at Etihad Stadium.

“It was pretty full on, getting great results out of it and giving all you’ve got (at the combine) and giving it a great crack,” 

“There were a few clubs that were great, some of them were really full on- giving you like tough questions and weird questions, but it was real great building that confidence talking to clubs and getting to know them.”

Choosing a manager was also another task, with Stride Sport’s Matt Bain getting the final nod.

“I had to go with a gut feeling, just get to know his background, get to know mine and really trust each other. You’ve just gotta do with gut feel.”

With many clubs interested in the North Ballarat Rebel teenager, expect his name to be called out in the 10-30 range on draft night, with his exciting speed appealing to those involved at club land.

“I play my best footy on the half back (flank), really love to run and carry and use the ball well.”