Collingwood spearhead Mason Cox says a nasty coronavirus sledge inspired his heroics in Saturday night's AFL elimination final win against West Coast.
An Eagles supporter told the American-born Cox early in the Magpies' one-point win to follow in the footsteps of US President Donald Trump and "catch coronavirus".
The sledge from the West Coast cheer squad came as Cox booted three goals in the first quarter at Perth's Optus Stadium.
"I hadn't seen a full cheer squad for a while," Cox told reporters on Tuesday.
"It was enjoyable going back and forth and I guess to get the first one (goal), then talk a bit of smack back and forth.
"One of them told me to 'go get coronavirus like your president' and that didn't sit too well.
"So I kicked the second one and looked back at them again.
"And kicked the third one, and I think they were all sitting down by that point.
"So it was enjoyable for myself just to shut people up.
"WA has definitely got a very passionate crowd, which is praise to them, and West Coast supporters are very passionate and supportive of their team which is awesome.
"But at the same time, you kind of thrive off it."
The Texas-born 2.11-metre tall forward said he had come to terms with being a target of vitriol from fans since arriving at Collingwood for the 2015 season.
"If you were to tell me, day one, I would be playing in a grand final four years after picking up a footy I would probably look at you sideways," he said.
"People are going to criticise me. I am playing one of the positions that is most criticised in the AFL, being a key forward at a big club.
"It is what it is. I'm pretty proud of my journey.
"And if you don't enjoy it or what I do ... that's fine. It's not really a reflection on me, it's probably a reflection on yourself.
"I'm not too stressed about it but it does entertain me at times ... I guess it also fuels me."
Cox has kicked eight goals in his past three finals to form a reputation as a big-game player.
"I enjoy a bit of pressure, I enjoy a bit of the atmosphere of a finals game," he said.
"It's a unique experience that not too many people get to be a part of.
"And for myself, coming from the States, I really didn't imagine myself being a part of all this kind of stuff and being able to experience it.
"You just soak it all in and make the most of every moment."
