😔 **𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊: 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐗 𝐆𝐎 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐎𝐘𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 — 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐌 𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐅𝐎𝐑 ‘𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎’ 😔
In a decision that has stunned the black-and-white faithful, Collingwood has officially confirmed that Mason Cox will not be offered a new contract for the 2026 AFL season. After nearly a decade of loyal service, 139 games, and one unforgettable premiership, the gentle giant from Texas finds himself without a home at the club he helped define — and fans are furious.
Cox’s journey is one of the most remarkable in AFL history. From picking up a Sherrin for the first time as a college basketball player in the United States, to becoming a cult hero at the biggest club in the land, his story has inspired countless fans across the world. He defied every odd, every doubt, and every criticism. Standing tall — literally and figuratively — he embodied the “never say die” spirit that Collingwood has long prided itself on.
But now, as news of his departure spreads, many believe the club has turned its back on a player who gave everything for the jumper. Supporters have flooded social media with messages of disappointment and disbelief, calling the decision “heartless” and “a betrayal of loyalty.” One fan wrote, “Mason bled black and white. He wasn’t just a player — he was part of our story. The club owed him better.”
Cox’s contribution to Collingwood extended far beyond the field. His presence helped expand the game’s global reach, inspiring a generation of international fans to follow Aussie Rules. He stood as living proof that passion and dedication could break through cultural and sporting boundaries. Whether it was his breakout performance in the 2018 preliminary final or his quiet leadership off the field, Mason Cox became a symbol of what makes footy so special — belief, resilience, and love for the game.
Sources close to the club suggest that the decision was purely list-based, with Collingwood aiming to refresh its tall stocks and inject more youth into its key positions. Still, for many fans, that explanation rings hollow. After all, Cox’s form late in the 2025 season was steady, and his presence as a locker room figure remained invaluable.
Cox himself has remained gracious amid the disappointment, releasing a heartfelt message thanking the fans and teammates who supported him along the way. “It’s been a dream I never imagined possible,” he wrote. “From Texas to the ‘G, I’ve lived every moment with pride. Collingwood will always be home.”
But for those who watched his journey from day one, the ending feels abrupt — and unjust. To see a player who embodied so much of the club’s heart and story walk away without a proper farewell leaves a sour taste.
As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: Mason Cox’s impact on Collingwood and the AFL will never be forgotten. He may no longer wear the black and white, but his legacy — the Texas Magpie who dared to dream — will live on forever. 🖤🤍
