Has Mason Cox proved the critics wrong? - Footy Classified | Footy on Nine

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[@guyh9992]

Having suffered two detached retinas it is a wonder that Cox is playing football at all. The media tends to downplay the eye condition he has overcome even though it is vision threatening. The reason why Cox wears goggles is that he cannot afford to have fingers poked into his eyes again because it could result in further detachments which could lead to blindness if involving the macula.

[@chrispetritsch1291]

Courtesy of a disgraceful effort by Majak Daw!

[@guyh9992]

@@Moz111 Cox blames Peter Wright for the other eye.

[@paulkyriakopoulos3444]

@@guyh9992 😂😂😂😂 good one lololololol

[@garynewton1263]

With Pendlebury getting poked in the eye also surprises me that; 1) Players who do this aren't suspended for 8-10 matches as its extremely dangerous. 2) That more players aren't wearing goggles for protection. I admire Mason for doing everything possible to be playing and for not complaining about what he's been through. Great attitude.

[@purebloodsunite7489]

@@garynewton1263 the googles are for seeing they don't really protect your eyes, it would be easy for a player to get his fingers in there.

[@AdamPotaznik]

Now do Caroline Wilson..... "Why I’m tipping Collingwood to miss the eight: Caroline Wilson’s AFL season crystal ball"

[@TomasUjhelyi]

And “why I’m tipping Richmond to finish top 4”

[@TheLaughingMagpie]

As well as Kym Dillon

[@stevesalkas9128]

Why she on the show I. Sure 98 per don't care what she says

[@joshuasadler9243]

​@@stevesalkas9128 98%knows she's usually totally Full of It. A negative beast in the fake journalist industry.

[@garynewton1263]

.......so why do I get the impression that all Richmond supporters hate Collingwood and have some kind of chip on their shoulders? They bagged 3 premierships in 4 years yet still have this shitty attitude.

[@minervajones1232]

I never doubted ya, Mason. I'm an Aussie/American 75 y.o. lifelong Pie who backed you from the beginning.

[@garynewton1263]

Yes. For a player to move that well at 211 cms is amazing. His confidence at taking marks a few years ago wasn't good. Now he looks confident and is holding those marks. Imagine both Cox and Cameron in this kind of form, almost unstoppable.

[@UltimateGreatness]

The best part about Coxy is that his worst game is always average but every so often he has his standout game. You aren’t losing anything having him in but sometimes when you aren’t expecting it he can tear a game apart. It’s a credit to him and what a story he’s been. So glad and appreciative he had his career in the Black & White!

[@TRBCL]

*_Cox in round 1 and 2 was elite, then comes back and plays even better_*

[@chriskelly9476]

Not a Collingwood fan at all but credit where credit's due. He's proved a lot of people (including myself) wrong. To come from the other side of the world to play a game you've never heard of at the professional level is ballsy as hell - and to regularly earn selection in the senior squad ever since deserves respect.

[@frederickshaibani5655]

Yank here. Loved footy for years (I even gave local footy a go when I lived in Melbourne!) and I know Coxy personally as well as his brothers. Mason's always had a great attitude and you'd be hard-pressed to find a more motivated player these days. He's done well despite a career-threatening eye injury and having to learn a game completely from scratch whilst living 10,000 miles from home. Hats off to Coxy!

[@JohnLee-pt5jz]

Kudos to mason😊

[@dansharp2860]

I suppose it depends on the critic. Plenty said he would never play a game or be able to hold down a spot. He's turned out to be an average to decent player, nowhere near the player he threatened to be in that 2018 prelim but serviceable enough. Kane is right about one thing, he's a great story.

[@moist603]

I just don't understand why being a role player is a bad thing and why mason cox has to be anything more than that. if he takes a couple of contested marks on the wing which turns into an inside 50 and a few hit outs or contested possessions that lead to a few clearances a game, that's contribution enough. he doesn't need to be bog and he gets judged differently to other role players in the league because he's American.

[@nickwyllie7563]

He has been on big money but in my opinion it will be money well spent if he continues like this for the rest of the season. His role is literally just to take marks and kick the odd goal here and there and I think he can do that until he is 35, if he stays fit and healthy

[@prod.2733]

i completely agree... never seen so much discourse surrounding an above average league ruck/key tall that started his career at like 24 in my life haha... he is on a medium to low salary for a 32 year old at a Melbourne club with 100k members and is barely divisive? i just dont get it

[@Jazzlikestickhands]

​@@nickwyllie7563 What kind of money is he on though? I agree in that if he continues like the last match for the rest of the season I'd say money well spent really unless we are talking crazy high salary or something.

[@nickwyllie7563]

@@Jazzlikestickhands last I heard he was on about 500k which is big money. I was one of his biggest critics at the beginning but he has improved ten fold and so has his footy IQ. I agree with you completely that he needs to continue on this run of form in order for it to be money well spent. But he is an important part of the team that is the favourite for the premiership so if we do win a flag this year, then I would say money well spent

[@killed_bya_bot7775]

@@nickwyllie7563 I wouldn’t say he’s on big money. Slightly more than the afl average.

[@quinntoohey406]

Ive always loved him. Has played some really important games for the club. Been a remarkably reliable set shot for goal too!! Absolutely cannot wait to see him notch game 100!!!!!

[@stevesalkas9128]

Agree and from usa go figure that out

[@richardbehan8118]

He's played two good games. Calm down.

[@Bubba__Sawyer]

@@richardbehan8118 He's played way more good games than that. As a non-supporter who probably doesn't watch a lot of our games, you wouldn't know this.

[@richardbehan8118]

@@Bubba__Sawyer ok, 4 good games.

[@TAW856]

Absolutely he has. In fact I'd say the critics have been overly harsh, since his eye issues have been resolved he has been great.

[@benreinstepp7979]

Great?... hmm I question your idea of "great", he's an absolute disgrace to the game of Afl

[@TAW856]

@Ben Reinstepp watch the game mate, he has been integral to Collingwoods structure. And before you question other people's assertions, maybe revisit your own "absolute disgrace to the game of AFL" comment.

[@benreinstepp7979]

@@TAW856 I've revisited my comment and turns out I was right 🤷‍♂️. If any other player had his stats they wouldn't even get a game in the local 1st, he's only there because the Afl want to expand into the American market.

[@Bubba__Sawyer]

@@benreinstepp7979 Stats don't tell the whole story. Never have, never will. It's clear you don't watch many Collingwood games, especially in the last year since Cox has been a regular in the side again. He's now thriving playing mostly in the ruck now and his vision issues have finally been sorted.

[@TheAussieLarrikin]

Always believed he’d be a good player for us but he’s exceeded all expectations. Congrats on the tonne mate!

[@whitepinkofficials]

What Kane said was true at the time but he’s now a key part of the team and structurally is very important. When he’s in the team they have the option of the get out of jail kick down to the line and it’s no coincidence that when he was out they lost their attacking game style.

[@joshuasadler9243]

It's funny how some fans gets crucified for seeing cox's value when no one in The media and most supporters couldn't. The club fortunately could but because he had a bad run somehow corns is right despite if That opinion was taken on board he wouldnt have had a contract. 😂

[@michaelobrien1779]

Every team would love to have Big Cox like the Pies!

[@kartanoman]

Critics are entitled to their opinion. So are fans, including this American Collingwood barracker who has played footy in the US long before Mason was even born. That he is currently living a dream I once had in my teen years, back in the 1980s, to every critics' points, many which at face value are quite valid, fall short in one category: the intangible of beating the odds and the power and inspiration that has both on the individual and every teammate. That he, an American, is playing professional Aussies Rules, he's beaten the odds. That he went down in history for his first goal opening the 2016 ANZAC Day Classic, he's beaten the odds. That the 2018 Preliminary Final cannot be remembered without his contribution, or my beloved Stars and Stripes proudly waving in the outer, he, has beaten the odds. For every mark he takes, for every spoil he makes, for every goal he kicks, for every seven-footer's tricks, let it be known, to the Magpie barracker or the critic, on Australian soil or in the U S of A, he, Mason Cox, has beaten the odds. In the end, his story, regardless how ordinary his stat sheet may appear, for it can never articulate the impact he's made on Magpies' fans both far and near. So, now that we agree on the stat sheet, you may go back to your critical analysis while I wish you well, as I join the flock of the Black and White Army as we march on to the beat of Craig McRae. Peace!

[@neilswan6977]

Hell yeah 🇺🇸

[@1refi]

Always been a huge part of the pies structure. Posessions and goals is not always the role you are asked to play. Anyone whos not blind can see how much better the pies structure is with him in the team. Regardless of posessions.

[@joshuasadler9243]

It appears its more an intelligence level. Unless you have Blind hatred for the club and player.

[@chrisferguson237]

I just love how humble he is.

[@markmooroolbark252]

Cox is a big game player. He has been BOG in a prelim and two queens birthday clashes and almost won us a flag with his second half in 2018.

[@daniellarge3355]

SHEEEEEED

[@zachwybrow638]

SHEED🎉🎉🎉

[@joshuasadler9243]

​@@daniellarge3355 since Dom she west coast have carried a Collingwood Curse😂

[@benreinstepp7979]

"Big game player" 😂 😂 😂 holyshit, you have no idea how much that made me laugh... one of the worst to ever take the field!

[@markmooroolbark252]

@@benreinstepp7979 Oh dear. I wonder why the team currently sitting on top of the ladder a game clear would be playing this yank every week when he is one of the worst players to take the field. Please explain. Such a bitter person. Did Coxy hurt your feelings or steal your lover?

[@michaeljohn-ve3xg]

McRae actually hypnotizes the players

[@quinntoohey406]

The jury is NOT out in big games Kane. Won a prelim single handedly against Rance who was the best backman in the AFL at the time, and 3 first quarter goals in Perth against the Eagles in a final in 2020 (Pies won by a point). Also debuted on Anzac Day and kicked the first goal of the game. The big stage is not his enemy.

[@zachwybrow638]

The blokes had a handful of good games in how many years? He's a flop

[@vorlons100]

@@zachwybrow638 over 100 games and over 100 goals handfull of 4 and 5 goals a game how many have you got

[@BigSharmo]

I love big Cox! He goes hard. He's massive with a good shot on goal. And stands up when needed.

[@zachwybrow638]

Had 10 good games in how many years

[@Reboundfifty]

Remember when he stepped up in the last prelim final Pretty sure Collingwood needed more him

[@Bubba__Sawyer]

@@zachwybrow638 He was playing nearly blind throughout 2019, 2020 and 2021. He's also been played out of position as a key forward for the majority of his career. He's thriving now that he gets to play predominantly ruck. He has a big influence around the ground as well clunking big marks.

[@zachwybrow638]

@@Reboundfifty cool story he hasn't stunned in 22'23 either what's your excuse for that? He's an average footballer who's huge, comparable to a Sandilands in skill.

[@Reboundfifty]

@@zachwybrow638 that’s not how the media seem to see him😆they think he’s better than Dean Cox or someone like that

[@rickeap]

Kane's failure to understand the important role Cox consistently plays for Collingwood over the past two seasons is very disappointing. His match-winning games are standouts, but his average games are also important and he hasn't had a bad game since the start of last season.

[@elliotberggrav6796]

He has been incredible

[@marilyncatterall402]

There's nothing wrong with being a "bit part" player, or as I prefer to call them, "role players". Not everyone can be Nick Daicos or Scottie Pendlebury, and there are certain dirty jobs that need doing, to allow the superstars to shine. A successful team is made up of many complimentary parts.

[@Reboundfifty]

Oh wow, someone’s been waiting a looong time to re share them cornes quotes Kane is so right in this

[@flooshar]

Cox tends to blow hot and cold, when he's on, he's REALLY on.

[@tommygunn8355]

I hope Craig can take over from Fages in a few years. He might be the best coach out of that Lions 3 peat side.🤔

[@patricksobb5762]

To be fair, I’m a Giants fan and I was at that game. He certainly dominated, but his only opponents were Flynn who is hopeless and Himmelberg who is a foot shorter than him. When he beats Gawn/Grundy, Natinui (if he ever plays again) or English then you can give him real props.

[@desmondflannery1895]

He's already beaten Gawn - TWICE!

[@wino5086]

He dominated BUT? LOL

[@garynewton1263]

Well I personally believe if both Cox & Cameron are in great form I can't see any team stopping us. Cox's hitouts to advantage is elite. If you have both ruckmen having that much influence and our midfield takes advantage of that on most occasions then that's Premiership stuff. I don't think even Gawn & Grundy can match them. The question is can Mitchell, Pendlebury, Crisp, De Goey, Adams & N Daicos win the ball out of the centre 90% of the time from Cox's and Cameron's ruck work? And can McStay, Kreuger, Mihocek and Johnson take enough marks from those clearances to create 30 scoring shots per match?

[@diesel8447]

Well done ya big yank! I mean Aussie! He's our lad now 😂 cheers mason

[@trentdavidson9847]

Agree with Kane. Great you've played 1 good game in the last 50

[@vorlons100]

you don't watch much football

[@samlynch6896]

Yes. He has. Plenty of blokes in afl history who’ve done less than he has.

[@sunburntbulb4384]

Never lost faith in him. Always said he could’ve been one of our best forwards in the last 30 years. I still believe

[@joshuasadler9243]

Only the simpleton nuffies can't see what cox provides when given a decent run

[@vigour6786]

Kane is right, the criticism of Cox previously was correct and just because he's had a good game against a lower side like GWS doesn't mean all of that criticism goes out the window. Not at all and Hutchy is pulling at something that isn't even there showing the quotes from Kane that were legitimately issued. Why this is even a story is beyond me.

[@prod.2733]

but was the criticism on Cox too harsh considering the entire system and list wasnt good enough for a few years after the 2018 GF? it seemed to me like they just had a little bit of tunnel vision in that aspect

[@joshuasadler9243]

If the criticisms Was correct cox wouldn't have been given a contract. He's just come back from a busted spleen with blood clots but playing well against GWS doesn't cut it for you. Sorry mate I know you think your being smart with your opinion ect BUT you are a total flog.

[@joshuasadler9243]

And cox will continue to prove you Wrong this year.

[@vigour6786]

@@prod.2733 You can blame it on the system or the list but we're talking about Cox and his form and performance as a singular, and the criticism like I said was fair.

[@vigour6786]

@@joshuasadler9243 Honestly forgot he was still listed at Collingwoof until he played GWS, when you can get form and consistent games and performance then you're able to say he's proved me wrong but 1 game against a team that flattered the stats for Collingwoof isn't saying much. Wait until he plays the likes of Melbourne or Brisbane

[@GaCh-ul9gl]

Just wondered if any footy media know there are other teams than the Pies in the AGL.

[@wino5086]

The AGL? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤡

[@newshound2521]

Yes

[@jtcorran5758]

Eat your words Cornes. He's had multiple eye operations you need to consider as well.

[@user-tq4pc6nh7j]

If Collingwood wants to part we'll have him at the Lions who have turned around players careers in the past and recently.

[@garynewton1263]

Just to clarify one thing........ MELBOURNE are the Premiership favourites at present. I'm a Collingwood supporter and the fact is right now if Collingwood played Melbourne I'd pick the Demons by 17 pts. Collingwood are missing too many important players. Melbourne have thus far scored the most goals and are the most consistent team. That's why Melbourne ARE Premiership favourites. I have Collingwood and Brisbane equal second favourites.

[@pkougi]

Melbourne have only beaten teams in the lower half of the ladder. Have a look.

[@garynewton1263]

@@pkougi Yes aware of that however I assumed they would lift. That Melb player list is pretty damn good. Better than Brisbane's list. Better than Port Adelaide's list. I just don't want magpies supporters to get too carried away and if we falter in a prelim or GF we'll be devastated.

[@cuzzywuzzyfuzzy]

He changed my view but it took a while

[@blackie75]

He's had one good game, let's just see what happens from here on in.

[@jimethota]

Is Footy Classified capable of speaking about interstate teams?

[@ashleybrabham2313]

Why is that fans of interstate teams spend so much time winging about Victorian teams?

[@Reboundfifty]

@@ashleybrabham2313 clearly because they never want to talk about interstate teams Wen Tigers & pies are winning they chat about how great they are and wen carlton are losing every week they talk about how they can get better. It’s still all about the vic teams

[@jimethota]

@@ashleybrabham2313 Because they talk about them non stop...isn't that obvious?

[@robdowsing3361]

Why does Gill think he and the AFL feel he speaks for all of us.The last time I saw,the AFL dont get a vote in the referendum BUT I do as an individual !!!!!

[@craigking7067]

You watching Vossy

[@matthewmarkiewicz]

Don't worry, we will need to recruit more of them shortly to fill a 20 team league...Australia isn't big enough for a 20 team AFL, more and more of these types of guys will play 100 games.

[@garynewton1263]

I agree with you. 16 teams is the prefect number. Final 6. Remove Gold Coast and only admit Hobart if they upgrade Blundstone Arena to 30,000. A new stadium is something Tasmanians can not afford. Slow the game down to reduce injuries. Spreading the talent around 19 or 20 teams reduces the quality of every team.

[@troyjackson3832]

What load of crock. The ratio of population to afl teams is larger than it was when there was 16 teams. Yes there is enough people.

[@garynewton1263]

@@troyjackson3832 Nope, thrle AFL is draining way too much money from Australians. Players are now getting several millions over a few seasons. Admission prices are extreme. The more quantity you have the less quality.

[@matthewmarkiewicz]

@@troyjackson3832 you truly believe that you are getting value for money when going to the footy to watch these types play 100 games? As much as I hate to say it, the Americans with a 32 team NFL (largest attended sport on the Earth) with 334m people (53 man roster) has got it perfectly correct vs the AFL with a 26m people population (42 man list). Dilution is poor for the viewers of the game and fans need to be happy with the amount of teams that there currently are.

[@troyjackson3832]

@@matthewmarkiewicz its not about population numbers. Its the ratio. Population has outgrown team numbers ever since adelaide came in. So how is it diluted now as opposed to then if the Population is greater relative to the amount of teams since then?

[@TheLaughingMagpie]

Can’t tame Coxzilla

[@richardbehan8118]

How has he proved critics wrong? He's played 2 good games out of 100.

[@Reboundfifty]

The worst all round sportsmen to be an elite sportsmen😂

[@newshound2521]

By playing 100

[@richardbehan8118]

@@newshound2521 he was always going to get to 100. Who said he wouldn't make it to 100 games?

[@wheelson7895]

One good game doesn’t prove Kane wrong

[@timmcgrath9708]

Mark McGough played a few good games too. Don't equivalate a good game or a good story with a good player.

[@aussiepie4865]

Corn will never give any credit to anyone at Collingwood for anything.

[@benjaminparkinson5255]

For once I actually agree with cane

[@mytwosense9135]

Hutchy copping a lick from Kane never gets old 😂😂😂 Cornes is still right sbout Cox. He's consistently inconsistent and anyone being honest with themselves can see it.

[@Reboundfifty]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@garynewton1263]

Not anymore. Once Cameron comes back in both will feed off each other and be unstoppable.

[@Bubba__Sawyer]

He's been very consistent since his vision issues have been fixed and now getting to play predominantly in the ruck.

[@garynewton1263]

@@Bubba__Sawyer yes. I see no reason why Cox & Cameron can't share Ruck duties......maybe have both on the ground and Cameron does 50 % centre bounces then drops back into defence while whenver Cox did Centre bounces would then move forward for F50 marking options?

[@northqldguru]

Hes American, so ppl had automatically doubted him. Imagine he left Collingwood just for 1 season and returned, he'd been the most missed

[@rickeap]

Kane showing a distinct lack of insight with his comments here.

[@bigbiscuit1]

Kane's absolutely right. Playing one or two good games per season makes you a serious liability. Cox good game/ bad game strike rate is woeful. Bang average player.

[@laurencetilley9194]

This from a bloke that will soon play only his one hundredth game of Footy. During that time he has gone through some severe physical injuries. Believing football commentators is no different than believing politicians. This show is only about 'click bait'

[@danieljdtaylor]

I’m a lifelong Collingwood supporter and big Mason Cox fan, but all his Criticism has been deserved. He’s too inconsistent to be a “good” player

[@TMELOMAGPIES1892]

Craig mcrae has got the best out of him like he has with the whole team, id love Coxy to retire as a premiership player.

[@benreinstepp7979]

Reading this comment section is a little sad because I never realised how delusional people are on the subject...This fool has two noteworthy games out of 100 and people praise him. Coxx is an absolute disgrace to the game and unfortunately his presence has kept talented players from taking the field for years now, which I admit isn't entirely his fault. Most of the blame should be placed on the Afl and Collingwood for keeping the experiment alive for far too long all in the name of expansion into new markets... We should be focused on growing the game at the grass roots level, too many country clubs are dead or dieing.

[@wino5086]

*Yawn* - You're not even a good troll Ben

[@benreinstepp7979]

​@@wino5086Troll 🤔 hmm, clearly you don't know the meaning which is to deliberately upset others. There's nothing "Troll" about writing/speaking the truth, the problem lies with the one who takes offence instead of taking the opportunity to be educated.

[@danielzemunik4755]

Kane please 🙏 your lack of self awareness is mind-blowing. This is from the guy who ran with (tagged) an a opposition player in an effort to get a kick.

[@troyjackson3832]

4 bnfs. Maybe more players should start tagging. Seems to work.

[@benellis6589]

Another time Cornes has got it wrong

[@Bloodynine606]

Relax. He’s now played a total of 3 good games in his career.

[@sonjakozman1699]

3 more than you've had

[@Bloodynine606]

@@sonjakozman1699 yes and I’m not trying to claim otherwise 😂

[@sonjakozman1699]

@@Bloodynine606 tall poppy syndrome. Find some joy

[@Bloodynine606]

@@sonjakozman1699 stop you’re just embarrassing yourself

[@sonjakozman1699]

@jamesminglis1247 oh please, go cry in the corner, collingwood is winning.

[@benjaminparkinson5255]

Went missing in the gf

[@umojagroupaustralia.]

I just don’t understand why you always praising the Melbourne teams like they are the only teams you can talk about.. can you for once talk Brisbane Lions?

[@Vinnie101a]

Why?

[@raresaturn]

nuffies

[@prod.2733]

the convo is a little weird bcos no one seems to know enough about his role/qualities to properly comment on him as a player? the criticism is harsh but not entirely wrong but i don't know... Cornes just doesn't seem to understand his role? he is a 'bit-part player' not bcos he is bad, but bcos at nearly 7 foot and 32 years of age, in a massively physical game you're naturally prone to more injuries? simple fact is, he is probably within the top 5 most important players in Collingwoods list purely bcos of the balance he provides to the structure and if you cant see his importance, its pointless discussing

[@johnvasilopoulos1503]

Yr a peanut kane 👍

[@quantummmmmmmm]

Cox plays a good game and we start talking about him Compared to collingwoods list he is below average

[@michaeljohn-ve3xg]

Hahaha Badly coped it

[@billyhoyle2780]

Playing 100 this week and has had maybe 5 good games, a few games where he has played a role, and a majority of very very average games. If he wasn’t a yank, he would of been delisted a long time ago

[@garynewton1263]

...............You've proved how out of touch you are. You're not seeing the bigger picture.

[@timdingleakajacksparrow2748]

Sometimes Kane talks a bit of Crap 💩 😂😂😂

[@matthewbeale8570]

First time I agree with Caine.. Oh here we go.. Sux Coxs has one good game in God knows how many games.. And all of a sudden. He's the brownlow favourite.. GTFOH he's a dud and always has been..

[@tommygunn8355]

He has one good game a year. And on the rare occasion he has a good game people just fawn over him. Still overrated and overhyped!🥱