Star Eagle Cox set to play on next year
Ruckman's manager says the star Eagle will continue next year
DEAN Cox looks set to extend his stellar career into a 14th AFL season, with the six-time All Australian keen to play on at West Coast in 2014.
Cox turned 32 on Thursday and becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year.
But his manager, Paul Connors, told AFL.com.au the ruckman wants to re-sign with the Eagles for next season.
"'Coxy' wants to play on at West Coast," Connors said.
"His form this year has been really good and his body is still in good nick, so we expect to start talks with the club soon."
Despite his age, Cox remains a vital player for the Eagles, who will almost certainly accommodate his wish to play on.
In West Coast's loss to the Western Bulldogs last Sunday, Cox played his 268th game to climb past Guy McKenna into second on the Eagles' all-time games list.
Barring injury next season, he will comfortably take over from Glen Jakovich (276 games) at the top of that list.
Cox has not missed a game this year, carrying the Eagles' ruck division in a season when his regular partner Nic Naitanui has struggled with groin injuries.
West Coast will be hoping Cox and Naitanui can resume their dynamic partnership next year, with 'Nic Nat' unlikely to play again in 2013 after missing last Sunday's game.
On Monday, the Eagles listed Naitanui's return date as "indefinite".
Nick Bowen is a reporter with AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_Media.