A former College Basketballer at Oklahoma State University, Mason graduated in 2014 after completing his Engineering Degree. Later that year Mason relocated to Australia after attending the US AFL Combine where he impressed the scouts with his athleticism and skills, especially as an athlete standing at 211cm.

Upon relocating to Australia, Mason attended a second AFL Combine again impressing a number of AFL Clubs including Collingwood, Port Adelaide, Richmond, and Fremantle. Whilst the AFL was still very foreign to Mason and his brother, who was accompanying him on his trip, Mason made the decision to sign with the Pies which was the commencement of a whirlwind career to date.

Representing Collingwood in the VFL throughout the 2015 season, Mason used the time to not only sharpen his skills but to gain a better understanding of the rules and the positions. In what was a reasonable start to his career in 2015, Mason played the first two games of the 2016 season in the VFL before making his AFL debut in the AFL’s biggest home and away fixture, ANZAC Day. In a fairy tale script in front of 90,000 people, Mason took a mark in the first two minutes of the game to calmly slot his first AFL goal with his first kick. This was a tremendous start to Mason’s AFL career, let alone the game for the team as they went on to win comfortably.

With his contract expiring at the end of the 2017 season, a number of clubs tried to lure Mason, however he resisted any trade and signed on with Collingwood. Mason’s 2018 season was his best yet where he played every game for the year and was pivotal in the teams Preliminary Final win against Richmond, kicking three goals. Unfortunately, the team couldn’t get the win against West Coast in the 2018 Grand Final, however Mason played admirably kicking two goals.

There has been periods of frustration for Mason post the 2018 Season as at times opportunities were limited in trying to share the ruck duties with fellow big man, Brodie Grundy, who has since departed the club. With a contract touch and go for the 2022 season, new Senior Coach Craig McRae backed in Mason for the ruck. This saw Mason play 18 games for the season including a huge game against the reigning Premiers, Melbourne, on Queens Birthday where he was incredibly unlucky not to win Best on Ground honours. Continuing his strong form, Mason has signed with Collingwood until the end of the 2025 Season. In 2023, Mason had another great year, playing 19 games and being a key part of Collingwood’s Premiership team.

Born in Dallas, Texas, Mason received his Australian citizenship in 2020 and has grown a real love for our country and people.

During his time in Australia, Mason has dedicated himself to learning the history of Australia and travelling far and wide throughout our beautiful country. Mason has also immersed himself in charitable causes including being an Ambassador for LifeChanger, an organisation that empowers young people resources and networks to assist those impacted by mental and physical issues. In addition to the charity work, Mason launched his own Podcast ‘The Mason Cox Show’ in 2022 and has signed on as a regular contributor with KIIS FM for 2023.

Recruited From: 2015 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, Pick 60 from Oklahoma State University (USA)

Achievements:

·       Neale Daniher Trophy 2018

·     AFL Premiership player 2023