Mason Cox's childhood dream was to become an astronaut but his height meant it wasn't possible.
Now, Cox's 211cm frame has helped put the American on the cusp of an achievement that is almost the AFL equivalent of putting man on the moon.
Cox's transformation, from Oklahoma State University basketballer to Collingwood's preliminary final hero, has been the feel-good story of September.
The towering Texan, who had accepted job with ExxonMobil as an engineer prior to joining the Magpies, continues to adopt a laid-back approach to what is the most high-pressure week of a footballer's career.
Cox's teammates were mostly a bundle of nerves at Friday's parade, having harboured grand final dreams since a young age.
The 27-year-old had no such issues, chatting freely about his own early ambitions while trying to make sense of the grand final ritual.
"I wanted to be an astronaut for a while but that changed pretty quickly," Cox said.
"You can't be an astronaut if you're taller than 6'4 (193cm).
"I grew up playing soccer so I always wanted to play in a World Cup. That would have been cool.
"But being happy was the biggest thing. Everybody talks about success and money but happiness is what you should be chasing."
The witty big man, who troubled Richmond with eight contested marks and three goals last week, grinned when asked by one reporter if AFL had become the biggest sport in Texas because of his feat.
"The Dallas Cowboys are the biggest NFL team in America and probably one of the biggest organisations in the world," he said.
"But I'm sure a few more people are following."
Cox, who expects West Coast to send Tom Barrass to him, insisted he isn't feeling any pressure ahead of the season decider.
"You have to enjoy the moment for what it is. A lot of people don't get this opportunity," he said.
"It's crazy to think I'm there after four years."
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