<h2>Delisted Pie Mason Cox Set for AFL Lifeline at Fremantle - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- Mason Cox set to join Fremantle as SSP recruit after Collingwood delisting following 139-game AFL career</p> <p>- American big man will provide crucial ruck support for injury-prone Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson at the Dockers</p> <p>- Supplemental Selection Period opens November 24, giving Cox a direct path to a new club without a draft nomination</p> <p>Premiership player Mason Cox will reportedly sign with Fremantle next week after being delisted by Collingwood following the 2025 AFL season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Cox Chooses Fremantle Over Draft Pathway</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The towering American ruck has opted to bypass the upcoming AFL Draft, instead choosing to join Fremantle through the Supplemental Selection Period (SSP), which opens on November 24. This strategic move allows Cox to negotiate directly with clubs rather than risk being overlooked in the draft process.</p> <p>AFL Media's Cal Twomey confirmed the impending signing, stating: "Fremantle is set to sign Collingwood premiership player Mason Cox as a SSP recruit to be a back-up ruck, with the delisted Magpie skipping nominating for the draft, which means he can sign with any club in the SSP period."</p> <p>The 33-year-old's decade-long journey at Collingwood concluded after 139 AFL appearances, including a pivotal role in the club's 2022 premiership triumph.&nbsp;</p> <p>Since his memorable Anzac Day debut in 2015, Cox has established himself as one of the most unique success stories in modern AFL history.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adding to Fremantle's Ruck Stocks</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Fremantle's pursuit of Cox is a replenishment of their tall timber stocks following Liam Reidy's trade departure to Carlton.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dockers successfully played a Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy combination in 2025. But concerns with Darcy's injury history and long-term fitness make the need for additional ruck depth essential.</p> <p>Darcy has managed just 44 games across three seasons due to persistent fitness concerns, highlighting the vulnerability in Fremantle's ruck stocks.&nbsp;</p> <p>Cox's experience and premiership pedigree offer valuable insurance for coach Justin Longmuir's structure.</p> <p>The American Pie's inclusion also provides relief for Fremantle's emerging tall forwards Patrick Voss, Jye Amiss, and Josh Treacy, who have shouldered significant responsibility in recent campaigns.&nbsp;</p> <p>Cox's versatility allows him to contribute in both ruck and forward roles, adding tactical flexibility to the Dockers' game plan.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Impact of Rule Changes on Tall Selections</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Recent AFL rule modifications have created additional opportunities for players like Cox to find regular game time. The removal of the medical substitute rule and expansion to five interchange players has opened pathways for more tall players to feature in match-day squads.</p> <p>This structural change particularly benefits experienced rucks who can provide immediate impact in shorter bursts, making Cox an attractive proposition for Fremantle's coaching staff.</p> <p>The SSP represents the final opportunity for AFL clubs to add to their playing lists ahead of the 2026 season, running throughout the pre-season period. Cox's decision to enter this pathway rather than the national draft demonstrates his confidence in securing a new AFL opportunity.</p> <p>For Fremantle supporters, Cox's impending arrival represents astute list management, addressing a critical need while adding premiership experience to a developing playing group. The move could prove pivotal as the Dockers continue building toward sustained finals contention.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>