Mason Cox’s journey from American basketballer to a genuine presence in the AFL is nothing short of something out of a incredible. Ahead of his 150th game, we take a look at his top five most remarkable games.

AFL Debut

It might not be his finest performance, but Cox arguably exceeded all expectations when he made his debut for Collingwood in one of the biggest games on the home-and-away calendar — Anzac Day.

And the then 25-year-old didn’t disappoint, booting a goal with his first kick in football within the opening minutes of the match in front of more than 85,000 fans.

Cox held his own, finishing with one goal, 10 touches and 11 hit-outs to show he could hold his own at the level.

That Prelim

In terms of pure impact, the best game Cox has played to this point in his career was in the 2018 preliminary final.

Matched up against the best defender at the time in Alex Rance, Cox was instrumental in the Magpies upsetting the reigning premiers to book a place in the grand final.

It all happened in the first 12 minutes of the second term, when Cox booted three goals to tear the heart out of the Tigers, putting Collingwood up by 42 points.

Five Goal Flurry

To this point, Cox’s best day in front of goal comes in the 2018 Kings (then Queens) Birthday clash, when he tore Melbourne apart with five majors.

Cox was simply unstoppable, kicking the first of the match within two minutes and was a persistent dominant force throughout the match, ending up with five majors, 16 touches, eight marks and nine hit-outs.

Early Success

If his debut was impressive, Cox’s fourth game was something to behold.

Up against Brisbane at the Gabba, Cox earned the first Brownlow Medal vote of his career when he kicked four goals in a one-sided affair.

It was another sign that the Magpies’ experiment may well work.

Best On Ground

Cox has only polled three Brownlow Votes in a game on two occasions, the most recent which came in 2023 against Greater Western Sydney.

Where most of his best performances have come as a forward, it was on this occasion at the MCG where he was incredible in the ruck.

Cox not only kicked two goals, but had 19 touches, nine marks, four clearances and 24 hit-outs in a 65 point victory.