Mason Cox gets another grand-final chance after leaving Collingwood
Mason Cox will appear in another AFL grand final after moving from Collingwood to Fremantle, a year after he was delisted at 34. The American forward-ruckman became a regular for the Dockers and helped them reach the decider against Brisbane, with a chance to win premierships at two clubs.
Mason Cox will play in another AFL grand final after an unexpected move from Collingwood to Fremantle revived his career. The 34-year-old American was delisted by Collingwood last October after 139 games, but will now line up for the Dockers against Brisbane in the decider. Cox first reached an AFL grand final with Collingwood in 2018.
He returned to the competition’s biggest game in 2023, when the Magpies won their first premiership since 2010. Recalling his first grand-final day, Cox said he travelled to the Melbourne Cricket Ground in an Uber and ended up “stuffed in the back” of a Toyota Prius. After his departure from Collingwood, Cox said there was no large group of clubs pursuing him.
Fremantle, however, had previously shown interest, making another approach a month after his delisting. He joined the Dockers as cover for their established ruck pairing of Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy. Darcy’s concussion in round six opened an opportunity for Cox in the western derby.
He took it, playing 19 of Fremantle’s next 21 matches and becoming a regular in coach Justin Longmuir’s team. Cox also kicked the go-ahead goal in the preliminary-final victory over Sydney that secured Fremantle’s place in the grand final. Cox said Fremantle’s work ethic and young, talented playing group made an early impression.
The Dockers finished as minor premiers with a club-record 19 wins, including a run of 14 consecutive victories, according to the supplied material. Fremantle are seeking the first premiership in the club’s history. Cox said players understood the importance of the club’s past and the support of its fans.
A victory over Brisbane would make him one of the small number of players to win AFL premierships with two different clubs.
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