Former Collingwood premiership player Sharrod Wellingham has revealed compelling insights about how Mason Cox could become a game-changing acquisition for the Fremantle Dockers, pointing to the American's unique ability to dominate in multiple positions as his greatest asset.
The Dual-Role Advantage
Wellingham, who played 196 AFL games including 65 with Cox at Collingwood between 2015 and 2018, emphasized that Cox's versatility sets him apart from other key position players. The 211cm tall American isn't just a ruckman or forward – he possesses the rare capacity to excel in both roles simultaneously, creating matchup nightmares for opposition teams.
"He's obviously a massive human being and he's got the ability to play in the ruck and also go forward and have an impact on the scoreboard," Wellingham told The West Australian. This dual-threat capability means Fremantle wouldn't need to substitute Cox when changing between roles, maintaining structural integrity while maximizing his aerial dominance.
Proven Track Record and Recent Form
Cox's credentials speak for themselves. The 33-year-old has played 134 games for Collingwood since his surprising recruitment in 2014, becoming one of the AFL's most recognizable international success stories. His 2023 season demonstrated his ongoing value, with 19 appearances including all three finals matches during Collingwood's premiership campaign.
Wellingham highlighted Cox's performance in high-pressure situations, noting his ability to influence critical moments. "We saw in the finals series last year that when the game is on the line, he can take a big mark or have a big impact in the ruck," he explained. This finals experience would be invaluable for a Fremantle team looking to take the next step in their development.
Strategic Fit for Fremantle's Needs
Fremantle's interest in Cox stems from their clear need for additional ruck and key position depth. With Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson currently shouldering the bulk of ruck duties, Cox would provide crucial insurance and flexibility. His presence would allow coach Justin Longmuir to experiment with different structural combinations without sacrificing height or experience.
Wellingham believes Cox's personality and professionalism would also mesh well with Fremantle's culture. "He's a great character to have around the football club," Wellingham noted, emphasizing how Cox's positive attitude and work ethic could benefit younger players developing at the Dockers.
The potential move represents a strategic opportunity for Fremantle to add premiership experience and structural versatility without sacrificing long-term planning. As Wellingham's analysis suggests, Cox's unique skill set could provide the missing piece in Fremantle's push for finals contention in the upcoming AFL season.
