Four years years ago, Mason Cox first heard of the AFL.
Then about 12 months ago, there was speculation he might join another club.
A fortnight ago, he struggled so badly in the qualifying final loss to West Coast that some Magpies fans wanted him dropped.
On Friday night, the MCG erupted with the chant of "USA, USA" in his honour.
Cox was so dominant in the shock preliminary final win that Richmond coach Damien Hardwick declared the giant American key forward was "B.O.G." - best on ground.
That's ahead of All-Australians Steele Sidebottom and Brodie Grundy, who were outstanding in the win.
"Not going to lie - when I first met Dimma four years ago I could tell just how amazing his character was and how much his team respected him," Cox replied on Twitter.
"I have always had a massive respect the man and for him to say that is awesome."
Hardwick also compared Cox to Essendon legend great John Coleman, after whom the league's goalkicking award is named.
It was hyperbole, but Cox had that sort of night.
Collingwood were already in a strong position at the start of the second quarter, leading by 23 points.
Then the AFL's tallest player truly was a giant, taking three strong marks in the opening 11 minutes and converting all of them into goals.
He finished the game with 11 marks, eight of them contested.
Adding to the occasion, Cox's parents Phil and Jeanette flew in from Texas to attend the game and they will stay for next Saturday's grand final against West Coast.
Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury said Magpies fans have chanted in Cox's honour before, but not like Friday night.
"It's happened a few times this year already, but not as loud as last night," Pendlebury said.
"Coxy was fantastic. The way he imposed himself on that game of football, it really caused some headaches for them."
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