Cox cut as Fever look for fresh direction

Cox cut as Fever look for fresh directionBridget LacyThe West AustralianSat, 20 July 2013 12:34PMShare to FacebookShare to XEmail UsCopy the Link West Coast Fever have cut veteran captain

and Australian Diamond Catherine Cox after two years at the success-starved ANZ Championship club.

Cox headed home to Sydney yesterday after the Fever decided not to give her a contract for 2014.

Coach Norma Plummer said the "organisation" decision came after a strong review process.

"When we finished the world championships in 2011, Cath had been de-listed from Swifts and had nowhere really to play," Plummer said.

"We picked her up and gave her an opportunity to take her game further. We have been able to utilise her skill and give her longevity in the sport, and we have done every- thing to assist

her to be there.

"I think she leaves us being in a great position from where she was even from the world champs."

Cox started every game in 2013 on court and there is no obvious replacement at goal attack available on the current playing list.

Former Melbourne and Adelaide shooter Kate Beveridge and veteran Lisa Millman came off the bench to relieve Cox this season, but don't look like full-time replacements in the key position.

Plummer would not be drawn on whether a marquee signing was on the cards to replace Cox.

Cox was one of seven Fever players out of contract for 2014.

"We will be looking at it and there will be some discussions with others but at the moment this has all just eventuated and so we will work on those things over the next few weeks," Plummer

said. "We have got till September 30 before we actually have to finalise any team."

Plummer also believed the club could cover Cox's leadership skills and experience. The 37-year-old has had more than 100 international appearances to her name and remains a contracted

Diamond.

"This year we brought in someone to work with the girls on leadership and also how to lead a team on and off the court and we will be continuing on with those skills next year for all

players," Plummer said.

Plummer, who has a deal for 2014 with an option for 2015, was confident rising midcourt stars Ashleigh Brazill and Verity Simmons would re-sign with the Fever.

"We are looking to take the team in another direction and we have got a reasonably good young group," she said. "We want to keep maintaining the strength of that and we will see what we can

just build around it at this stage."

Cox attended the Fever's awards night at Fraser's Restaurant on Wednesday and spoke of her love for the team.

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