Fremantle recruit Mason Cox on how young Dockers are building higher standards at trainingJake Santa MariaThe West AustralianThu, 5 March 2026 12:07PMCommentsCommentsEmail Jake Santa Maria
Fremantle recruit Mason Cox said there’s a noticeable difference at the Dockers compared to Collingwood that has him excited for what this year could hold.
Cox was a surprise mover in the off-season, joining the Dockers after 139 games and a premiership at the Pies, and has been a standout performer in the pre-season in Sean Darcy’s absence.
At 34 years old, his remarkable AFL journey is closer to the end than the beginning, but the ruckman has no plans on slowing down, thanks to a positive vibe at the Dockers being driven by their younger stars.
“In terms of training, there are a lot of similarities to my time at Collingwood,” he told Mix94.5.
“But with Fremantle, I’ve come to realise, is a younger team, so there’s that hunger there, and the intensity is definitely a step up, because guys are trying to have success and do the best they can.
“As an older guy, it definitely gives you energy to go to training every day to know that effort and energy is going to be there, and it’s been an enjoyable change.”
While he may have been seen as surplus cover to Fremantle’s ruck stocks, Cox has shone alongside Jackson, with Darcy working his way back from a calf complaint.
Coach Justin Longmuir has been impressed by what he’s seen, though he hinted Darcy is still the No.1 option if fit.
“He’s done really well, though, and I thought his game on the weekend was really strong. I thought he could have been a little bit more physical in the West Coast game, but that physicality returned against Adelaide and gave our mids first use,” he told The West Sport Show.
“So if Sean’s not up for it through fitness and availability, then I’m sure Mason can do a really good job.”
Cox said he will take every game as it comes.
“I don’t get paid enough to make those decisions,” he joked.
“We have the bye-week with round 0, so those conversations won’t happen until next week, and that’s kind of consistent in how it is week in and week out.”
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