Fremantle recruit Mason Cox has already made a bold statement, only hours after signing with his new club, saying the Dockers have the "best list in the competition".
Cox, who hails from the US and carved out a successful tenure at Collingwood over 11 years, found a new home via the SSP shortly after the period opened on Monday.
The 211cm ruck-forward hybrid debuted for the Magpies on Anzac Day in 2016 and would go on to play 139 games for the Victorian club.
He featured in the club's 2023 premiership triumph, but was informed his services were no longer required two years later, which is when he explored his options elsewhere.
"I'm very excited, it's all come together very quickly," Cox said in his new colours.
"It's going to be a big move over to Perth."
After losing supporting ruckman Liam Reidy to Carlton during the trade period, Fremantle have moved for an experienced third-string option in Cox for the next two seasons.
The 34-year-old has been steadfast that he's got plenty more to give in the top flight, especially given his later start to his football life in the AFL.
"That's why I'm here," he laughed.
"I've got a lot of experience. I've been in the system for 11 years, and I think my body is going really well, so I'm excited to continue the journey."
Cox will reunite with Dockers coach Justin Longmuir, who spent three years in the black and white as the defensive coach, before assuming the top job in Perth.
The pair have been in "consistent communication" since the possibility of the American making the switch became real, as well as his likely role in 2026.
"It'll be a very similar role with ruck and forward line," Cox said.
"Justin was a coach at Collingwood years ago, so I've known him throughout that, and we've been in contact.
"I think when you're the opposition, you probably don't talk as much, but now, since everything has gone through, we've been in communication consistently.
"He's a great man that I have a lot of respect for, so excited to work with him again."
Cox will work in tandem with impressive young duo Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson.
The former Pie has faced off against them throughout his time at Collingwood, but he also revealed an interesting link to Darcy.
"It's a weird thing," Cox added.
"Sean (Darcy) and I have a connection through friends back home in the US, and Luke, I've known throughout the years, playing against him.
"It's a bit of a fraternity, ruckman. You have mutual respect for someone who plays the same position as you."
But just as quickly as the American traded alliances from the black and white to the "purple army", he's also gone out on a limb to say his new team is a scary proposition in 2026.
"It might be a bit bullish to say, but I think it's the best list in the competition," Cox said.
"You look at what they were able to do last year, the streak of wins. It's pretty impressive, and hopefully I can add some experience along with everything else to continue that success.
"Someone once told me that purple is royalty, so hopefully we can make some great memories."
