Family ties fire up American Pie in AFL

Collingwood's Mason Cox starred with five goals in an emphatic Queen's Birthday win over Melbourne.

Mason Cox of the Magpies.

Magpies' Mason Cox was boosted by some family support as he shone against Melbourne. (AAP)

Collingwood need to find a way to put three more Americans on the payroll.

Mason Cox's two brothers and a dear childhood friend flew from Texas to watch the Queen's Birthday clash against Melbourne.

He responded with a career-high five goals in a best afield 16-possession, eight-mark performance in the emphatic 42-point win at the MCG.

"My family is in town and for some reason every time they show up I play pretty well," Cox told AAP.

"I might have to convince them to move over.

"It's all been a bit of a whirlwind this whole AFL experience and to share a big game like this with my family is something that means a lot to me.

"Mum and Dad are coming in July so hopefully I'll have another good game."

Pies fans won't have to wait that long to see another influential performance on the evidence of Cox's effort against the Demons.

In his 31st senior appearance, the 27-year-old was a strong physical presence, used his 211cm frame to great advantage in marking contests and had impressive length and accuracy in his kicking for goal.

It hasn't been an easy road, but Nathan Buckley's faith in the basketball convert is starting to pay off.

"I've been happy with where I'm at, but it's taken a lot of ups and downs and all-arounds - it's been a real roller coaster," Cox said.

"But the boys have supported me all the way through.

"They've had some shocking kicks and handballs from me to deal with but I think they're a bit happier with me.

"To be able to play in games like this is something I never could have imagined.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity ... I've been very fortunate to be standing where I am."


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world