Turnabout is fair play, or so it would seem, as the Magpies get ready to debut an American recruit named Mason Cox when the Pies play the Demons in Round 4 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Cox graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in engineering, so he is obviously no dummy and realised that his 211-centimetre height meant nothing to NBA scouts. He had even considered getting a part-time engineering job.
He started to attract serious notice from AFL teams last year when, having played Rules for less than a year, he kicked five goals and was best on ground in a VFL game.
The same weekend that Cox was breaking out in the VFL, another U.S. import named Jason Holmes made his debut for St. Kilda against Geelong.
At this pace, it would seem to be only a matter of time before Rules is dominated by Yanks demanding big salaries, more playing time and trades to other sides if things are not to their liking.
Cox will occupy a spot in the forward line alongside Steele Sidebottom, who is returning from suspension and Travis Varcoe, who has recovered from a hamstring injury. Sportsbet has priced the Pies at $1.47 to $2.70 for the Demons even though both teams share 2 – 1 records.
