Collingwood’s American ruck-forward Mason Cox has declared he is “100 per cent planning to play next year” in an article on AthletesVoice.
However, he admitted the winds of change sweeping through Collingwood may mean he has to find a new home to do so, saying “I’ve got no idea where it’s going to be, what the contract’s going to look like or anything like that.”
Cox told the publication he understood the departure of Nathan Buckley and appointment of Craig McRae meant “a new everything really – [the club] has been completely turned around.”
McRae was Cox’s first coach in Australia, with the 30-year-old revealing details of a conversation he had with the incoming coach before the offseason.
“We’ve been really good friends throughout it all but I told him, ‘man, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you and no matter what the decision is, whether it’s keep me or let me go, I want you to make sure it’s best for you, best for the club and going to give you the best opportunity as a coach. Don’t put anything that’s personal in the way of that.
“Whatever way you want to go, I will totally back you and I will totally understand, and I just want what’s best for you.”
Cox has played 76 games since debuting in 2016, but has been restricted to just 18 games over the last two seasons – including just seven in 2021 – through a combination of form and injury. He started this season strongly, with three consecutive two-goal games, but had his campaign disrupted by a freak throat injury at training.
He is best known for a three-goal game in Collingwood’s extraordinary 2018 preliminary final upset of Richmond, which came in a personal best year.
The former US college basketballer turned down a job as a mechanical engineer with a large oil company to try his hand at Australian rules football.
He tells AthletesVoice about his initial doubts that AFL was a viable career choice, before deciding to give the game a crack.
Dusty does Danger
Roar Rookie
Doggies will need him post Martin retirement. Just hope Martin leaves with GF medal or else there could be tears ????
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
Should have left Collingwood years ago. Their game plan didn't suit Cox . . . at all. The way he was used and being consistently in and out of the side hardly instilled confidence in this bloke. With 666 and 'stand' he should have been played at full forward, the Pies don't have one, getting the ball in quick and dropping it in front of him 20-30 out. Slow ball movement has killed this bloke.
XI
Roar Guru
They would not listen, they did not know how Perhaps they'll listen now It's a bit of a stretch but I think I see what you're going for. He could indeed find a spot on another list
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
McEvoy, Ceglar & Ned Reeves @ 211cm. I can't see that he will be parking his Suzuki Swift at Box Hill.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
No currency at the trade table I would imagine. But I do agree if there is a club that has a desperate need for short term depth in a position that requires size, he might be temporary fix. Seems like a decent guy & I wish him all the best.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
A bit harsh.
Chris M
Guest
Mason Cox seems like a decent guy and it is admirable that his determination and willingness to learn have enabled him to play 76 AFL games. His height and size may have been advantageous in somewhat compensating for his lack of background in the Australian game, but he obviously has sporting talent and it is a credit to his character that he has somewhat adapted to a foreign code of football. However, as Cox is now 30 years old, his age is now becoming a factor in evaluating how much capacity he has for further development and improvement at this level. Unless there is a desperate need for short term depth in a position that requires size, it would be better for clubs to bring the experiment to an end. Rather than trade for him or sign him as a delisted free agent, I think it would be preferable to use the space on a club's list on a young guy with potential in the draft or on an established player who can perform more consistently.
Maybe he will be given more opportunity to ruck. He could be serviceable for 2-3 years.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Reckon the Tigers will be keen :laughing:
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Off to Hawthorn apparently.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
A certain Don Mclean song comes to mind right about now.....