Nikolas Cox Biography

Nik Cox will sit out the rest of the 2025 season after meeting with the AFL's independent concussion panel but has been cleared to pursue a return to the top level.

Cox is adamant he wants to return to the top level, having suffered more concussion symptoms after his return to the VFL in May.

"I'm pleased that I've been cleared to continue my playing career. Whilst I'm disappointed that I won't return to the field for the remainder of the 2025 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.

"I'm incredibly grateful to my club, teammates, medical staff, and everyone who has supported me through what's been a challenging and uncertain period. 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."

Jeremy McGovern and Nik Cox are set to meet with the AFL's independent concussion panel in the coming days as both players seek clarity on their situation after recent incidents.

Nik Cox commits to Essendon until the end of 2024.

"I'm so happy to have signed with the club for a further two years, especially with the likes of Archie and Zach also committing to the club," Cox said.

"We have a great core group of young players who have a lot of development ahead of us, but we are building something special and I can't wait to be a part of it."

Nik Cox is the 2021 round 12 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

The 200cm Cox has played every game so far in 2021, being predominantly deployed on the wing as well as having brief stints in the ruck and at half-forward.

Nikolas Cox makes his AFL debut for Essendon at Docklands Stadium with 9 disposals (5 kicks and 4 handballs), 3 marks and a tackle in a 1-point loss to Hawthorn.

Essendon select Nikolas Cox with pick No.8 in the 2020 National Draft.