ESSENDON young gun Nik Cox has made an immediate impact at AFL level.<\/p>\n
Cox, 19, has played all 12 games in 2021 and received a Rising Star nomination after a season-high 23-disposal showing against reigning premiers Richmond in Saturday’s Dreamtime clash.<\/p>\n
The 200-centermeter tall wingman told SEN\u2019s Dwayne\u2019s World that Bombers coach Ben Rutten showed immediate faith in him as soon as he arrived at Tullamarine.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the moment I got into the club he was really confident in me,\u201d Cox said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe said, \u2018There\u2019s no reason you can\u2019t have an impact instantly\u2019 and he didn\u2019t really put a ceiling on me which was good for my confidence (going into the season).<\/p>\n
\u201cHe told me what I needed to do in terms of the way we want to play on the wing. He said, \u2018Just bring your natural strength\u2019 in my running which definitely helps.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s made me feel really comfortable out there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cox, selected with pick number eight in last year\u2019s draft, is averaging 13.2 disposals and 4.6 marks per game and has also chipped in with eight goals.<\/p>\n
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