New Fremantle recruit Mason Cox has revealed his shock at being axed by Collingwood, saying there is still "a lot of detail" he would love to discover about the decision.
Cox was left stunned after being told by the Magpies in October he wouldn't be receiving a new deal.
The 34-year-old American played 10 games for the Pies last season - including their qualifying final and preliminary final - and just two years ago was part of their premiership-winning side.
Cox, whose rise from US college basketballer to AFL premiership player will go down in Aussie Rules folklore, has played 139 games since his debut in 2016, and felt he had plenty more to give.
The shock decision by Collingwood left Cox scrambling to find a new club, and Fremantle came knocking with a two-year deal during the pre-season supplementary selection period.
Cox still has plenty of love for the Magpies, saying he has a soft spot for the club's fans after the way they embraced him and his American heritage.
But the 211cm ruckman hasn't quite gotten closure on their decision to delist him.
"I think there's still probably a lot of detail I'd love to know around the whole subject," Cox said on Friday after training with his new Dockers teammates.
"I think it was a shock for a lot of people. Myself, my manager was pretty, pretty shocked.
"But I had an incredible time there - 11 years at any kind of football club is a long time, and I was very fortunate to be with some amazing players and staff throughout my time.
"But yeah, it ended quite abruptly, which I probably wasn't prepared for.
"It was a tough ending. But like anything that's life. You've got to continue to change and try to get better.
"I'm not going to look on the past and focus on that. I'm focused on the future of this group and to be able to do something special."
When asked if he would have a point to prove if given the chance to face Collingwood, Cox replied with a smile: "I'll enjoy it, that's all I'll say."
Cox will battle the likes of Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson for game time at Fremantle, with his arrival giving the club vital ruck depth following Liam Reidy's departure for Carlton.
Fremantle were knocked out of the elimination finals by Gold Coast this year, but Cox reckons the Dockers boast the best list in the competition.
Cox knows what it takes to win a premiership, having tasted both grand final defeat (2018) and grand final success (2023) at Collingwood.
"I think this group is going to focus on the aspirations of the journey," he said.
"The experience of understanding that nothing is won right now, but a lot can be lost at this time of year, and we have to set high standards to be able to reach the success that we want."
