Could Fremantle get multiple first-round picks if they offered star defender up for trade?

Kane Cornes wonders whether Fremantle should consider trading key defender Brennan Cox.

The 25-year-old has missed most of the 2024 season with injury, but the Dockers have maintained a strong defensive profile without him thanks to their depth of talent.

Their backline is helmed by Alex Pearce and Luke Ryan, while the emergence of Josh Draper gives them another key defensive option. They also selected tall defender Ollie Murphy with a second-round pick in last year’s draft.

Given Adelaide offered two first-round picks for Melbourne’s Harrison Petty in last year’s trade period, Cornes feels the Dockers should shop Cox and see what is offered.

“If you could trade contracted players, which you can’t really, I think there would be a great opportunity for Fremantle,” Cornes told SEN Breakfast.

“Brennan Cox is surplus to their needs and what you would get for him, after seeing him return for Freo and be really solid (the last two weeks).

“When you consider what Adelaide offered for Harrison Petty which was two first-round picks.

“What an opportunity it would be for Fremantle to offer him up. Think about the teams that need a key intercepting defender like the Western Bulldogs.

“Imagine Cox at the Dogs with what he could do there or at Collingwood and what Freo would get.

“Now, I think he’s got six years to go on a stupid contract they signed him to, but if you could trade contracted players, I think that would be one to exploit from other clubs overpaying like Adelaide would have done with Petty.”

Fremantle hosts Melbourne at Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon, hoping to bolster their pursuit of a top four spot.