Mason Cox has spoken about the day he was "fired" by Collingwood coach Craig McRae while offering the strongest hint yet his AFL journey is far from over.
Cox filmed an emotional video on the weekend confirming his 139-game, 11-year career with the Magpies had come to an end after he wasn't offered a contract for 2026.
For an American with zero experience of AFL footy until his early 20s, the 211cm Cox is undeniably a success story, winning a premiership and developing a solid set shot that led to 127 goals to date.
Asked on SEN Breakfast who should take the most credit for his AFL journey, Cox immediately referenced the man that also brought his career to a shuddering halt.
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“Craig McRae. I think a lot of people know that he’s had a lot to do in my career,” he said.
“It was a bit awkward to get fired by the man, but it’s part of the experience I guess.
“But I’ve got to give a lot of credit to him for getting me to where I’m at.”
At the age of 34, Cox could still be considered young in AFL terms after discovering the sport at such an advanced stage of his life.
Cox joked the Pies "tried to fire me three times" before finally letting him go, but struck an optimistic tone as he spoke about his footy career being resurrected elsewhere.
“It will pan out over the next week,” he said. “I’m definitely interested to continue on with this journey.
"I still have a lot to give. My experiences throughout 11 years of playing I think are still very valuable.
"I get that Collingwood is an aging list and unfortunately I think I’ve been somewhat of a sacrifice to that but that’s just part of the game.
“Hopefully someone else can see value in me and appreciate me being there.”