It’s fair to say Mason Cox is one of the most polarising players in the AFL, due to his boisterous American nature and his fiery attitude on the field.
Just last year he got into a scuffle with Brisbane defender Dayne Zorko, with the two escalating the beef with nasty words in the aftermath.
And that reputation clearly carried over to his new club Fremantle, where he signed in the off-season, but he has since won over the group.
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Mason Cox of the Magpies celebrates during the 2023 AFL Grand Final. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Cox was delisted by Collingwood at the end of the 2025 season after 139 games for the club over a decade, including playing in the 2023 premiership.
But the 34-year-old received a lifeline from the Dockers, who signed him to their list via the supplemental selection period.
The ruckman replaces Liam Reidy, who was traded to Carlton, and partners Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson on the depth chart.
But All-Australian defender Jordan Clark was wary of Cox when Fremantle signed him, admitting he wasn’t a fan.
“Nah, yeah, do you want the radio version or the not radio version?” Clark laughed when asked if he liked the 211cm star before he arrived at Freo on SEN.
Mason Cox of the Magpies celebrates. via Getty Images
“I don’t know why I get asked this question by everyone I know, but, for the radio version, I’d say yeah he wasn’t my favourite person.
“Since I’ve got to know him he’s a cracking fella and I really enjoy his company. He’s a really nice bloke.
“Puts all his time and effort into his relationships and that sort of thing outside of being on the oval. He’s been a great refresher this year.”
Clark says Cox’s presence and competitiveness has brought the best out of Darcy, as the pair have battled in the ruck across the pre-season.
“He and Sean (Darcy) have had some great ruck battles and it’s been fiery at times, a few arguments in there and a few elbows thrown around in there,” Clark said.
“It’s great, it’s competitive, it’s a competitive sport, so it’s really good to see.
“I think Mason has been really competitive and it has helped Sean, to be honest.
Mason Cox in a Fremantle polo. Fremantle
“Before Sean went down and did his calf last week, he was easily the best player on the ground and was the best player over the last couple of weeks, he just had such a big presence in the air, in the ruck and around the ground.
“Was obviously devastated for big Sean to nail a calf on the last day of pre-season, but I have no doubt big Coxy is going to contribute in some way and he already has by developing those younger boys around him.”
Darcy is expected to be available for round one, meaning he will likely pair with Jackson as Fremantle’s ruck combination.
They also boast a tall forward line, with Jye Amiss, Josh Treacy and Patrick Voss all in their best side.
This all likely means Cox will start the season in the WAFL and will be called up to replace any of the above if required.
The transition has been a smooth one, with Clark saying the ruckman has “settled in nicely”.
Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy of the Dockers. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The premiership-winning Pie said he was shocked by the club’s call to delist him.
“I think there’s still probably a lot of detail I’d love to know around the whole subject,” Cox said in November.
“I think it was a shock for a lot of people. Myself, my manager was pretty shocked.”
Collingwood boasted the oldest list in AFL history in 2025, which likely triggered their decision to part with Cox, 2018 Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell and premiership defender Oleg Markov.
Brody Mihocek was traded to Melbourne and veteran Will Hoskin-Elliott retired.