Mason Cox sent ‘stern’ text to journalist who snubbed him in AFL ‘robbery’

Mason Cox has revealed he sent the journalist who didn’t give him a single vote in the annual Queen’s Birthday clash a “stern” text.

Mason Cox was “robbed” on the Queen’s birthday.

At least Mason Cox can see the funny side of things.

Footy fans and pundits couldn’t believe it when the Collingwood star missed out on receiving the Neale Daniher Trophy for best on ground during the Pies’ win over Melbourne in the annual Queen’s Birthday clash at the MCG.

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Everyone thought Cox was a lock to be named best on ground after leading the Magpies to an upset 26-point victory with a career-high 21 disposals, eight marks and six score involvements.

Two members of the judging panel — AFL legends Matthew Lloyd and Cameron Ling — both gave the American star the maximum three votes, while the third judge, journalist Josh Gabelich, didn’t give Cox a single vote.

Demon Clayton Oliver took home the gong but while the AFL world was in shock, Cox isn’t taking things too seriously.

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast The Mason Cox Show, the Collingwood tall forward was asked by co-host Brayden Cocks if he called the police about the “great robbery” at the MCG.

It turns out Cox is friends with Gabelich and asked to be compensated for being left out of the votes.

“The guy Josh, who actually didn’t put me into the votes, I sent him a very stern text message — I’m actually friends with him,” Cox laughed, with tongue planted firmly in cheek.

“I was like, ‘How in the world, an actual mate of mine, just leave me out of the top three?’

“I know him. I actually caught up with him for a coffee because I’m doing some stuff for the AFL and he’s one of the guys that’s linked in there.

“I gave a stern text message to him that night and gave him a ‘lunch is on you next time, mate’.”

Mason Cox was outstanding as Collingwood upset Melbourne. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Although he missed out on the Neale Daniher Trophy — named after the Melbourne icon, who is leading the fight to raise awareness of motor neurone disease — Cox was still recognised for his on-field exploits earlier this month.

The US stud was given a perfect 10 in the Queen’s Birthday match by Collingwood coach Craig McRae and Melbourne’s Simon Goodwin in the AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year award, five from each.

“I must admit, I’m really proud of him and I told him how proud I am of him,“ McRae said post-match.

“We go a long way back and to see him grow … he’s had a lot of doubters.

“(When he’s confident) he gets taller and taller out there - he’s been really important for us in the past month.”

The Collingwood coach also forecast Cox could spend more time in the ruck going forward as the Pies mount a solid finals case.

“I do believe he is a better ruck-forward than he is a forward-ruck,” McRae said. “That’s his best position.”

With NCA NewsWire