AFL Daily, Monday, September 24, 2018: Mason Cox's Grand Final parade fear
MASON Cox admits he has only ever been to one AFL Grand Final and he left at three-quarter time. With the heavens set to rain on Friday's parade, the 211cm American is just hoping they have a car big enough for him to fit in. AFL DAILY RE-CAP
MASON Cox has only been to one Grand Final – and he left early.
The 211cm American has only played Australian Rules since 2014 but will this weekend be a key pillar to Collingwood’s premiership hopes.
Cox, 27, said much of the week was new to him, but he would not be fazed by the extra attention – as long as he can stay dry until Saturday’s Grand Final.
“I’ve never seen a Grand Final parade … never been around for one,” he said.
“I’ve been to a Grand Final, in my first year (2014) before I played when I first moved here.
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“I think Sydney got smashed by Hawthorn…I think I left about three-quarter time.
“But it was great fun. I’m just taking it in day by day and taking it for what it is … the Grand Final parade will be pretty cool.
“I think it’s supposed to be raining, so hopefully we can find a car that fits me.”
The Texan said he has had interest from a number of US media outlets, including Sports Illustrated.
“Depending on the week that might open up a few avenues if it all goes well,” Cox said.
“Back home, it’s not that big of a deal but I’m hoping the more successful I am in my career, the more opportunities it might lead to opening up some avenues there.”
Cox – who joked he is seen as a “stupid, ignorant American” - said he felt like he had a balanced approach to Saturday’s Grand Final clash with West Coast after a best-on-ground three-goal and eight contested mark performance in the Magpies’ 39-point preliminary final win over Richmond.
“I think (only playing for a short time) gives me a good perspective on it, I don’t know if it makes me stress less or not,” he said.
“It’ll obviously be stressful before the game, but I’ve got a lot of perspective of what it is. I’ll go home in two weeks’ time.
“I think I have of the whole thing and I probably stress a lot less than a lot of the other boys.”
Originally published as AFL Daily, Monday, September 24, 2018: Mason Cox's Grand Final parade fear