Mason Cox wasn’t entirely at home at an Auskick clinic

MASON Cox’s star is on the rise, but that didn’t stop the Collingwood star from feeling particularly awkward at this Auskick clinic.

He’s still learning.

MASON Cox just gets more and more likeable.

The American phenomenon has stunned footy fans with his remarkable introduction to the AFL this season, impressing all with his marking and ability to win contested ball.

He’s only played five senior games for Collingwood this year since making his debut against Essendon on Anzac Day, and had never even heard of AFL before 2013 when he was invited to a draft scouting combine in Los Angeles.

But he’s learning quickly.

He scored a running goal that included his first ever bounce in top flight footy during Saturday’s win over Geelong, and his giant 2.11m frame has made him an asset up forward and in the ruck.

Having said that, he’s still got a long way to go — and he certainly knows it.

If there’s one line that sums up just how much Cox’s life has changed in recent times, it’s this tweet from Sunday morning. Tasked with showing some budding youngsters a thing or two about the game, Cox clearly felt more than a little out of his depth.

That awkward moment when you have to go to an Auskick clinic and teach kids how to play footy who have played longer than you. #under40games

— Mason Cox (@masonsixtencox) May 22, 2016

We’re sure the kids didn’t have a problem with the lanky American’s lack of experience handling a Sherrin, let’s just hope they understood his accent well enough to pick up a few tips.

There’s as much to admire about his laid-back personality that comes across in media interviews as there is about his work on the field.

So often we’re used to American athletes prioritising talking the talk as well as walking the walk, but the 25-year-old comes with no trace of hubris. After his most recent performance though, he might feel more comfortable talking himself up.

Late in the fourth term of the Pies clash against the Cats, Cox lumbered into the forward 50 after taking a mark, looked around and saw only space, so decided to go for a run himself, taking a bounce then kicking truly for a major.

Mason Cox has a look around, takes a bounce and finishes coolly! #ohwhatafeeling #AFLPiesCats https://t.co/rBnmkx90ot

— AFL (@AFL) May 21, 2016

Cox’s teammates lost it on the sideline when the goal umpire confirmed the six points, and the big man could certainly understand why.

“I looked around and was like, ‘Oh gosh I’ve got 30 metres so I’m going to have to bounce it.’ It was probably my first bounce in the AFL,” he said after the game.

“I looked at Trav (Travis Varcoe) but was a bit selfish there and took the kick.

“I was laughing myself after the goal.”

Speaking on 3AW radio, teammate Jeremy Howe said the rest of the Collingwood players could barely believe their eyes when they saw Cox off the leash.

“I think all our hearts were in our mouths when he went for that bounce running inside fifty, but he managed to get the choccies which is nice,” said Howe.

He added nine disposals, three marks (including one contested gem inside forward 50) and four hit-outs to top off the impressive all-round outing, and will be looking to carry on that form when Collingwood take on the Western Bulldogs in round 10.

Originally published as Mason Cox wasn’t entirely at home at an Auskick clinic