2008 Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney says Mason Cox’s scintillating performance for Collingwood in the 2018 preliminary final against Richmond set unrealistic expectations for the remainder of his career.
The Pies big man kicked three goals and had 15 possessions in what was undoubtedly his best game for the club.
Cox has largely struggled since then and has only played three of Collingwood’s five games so far this season.
Cooney said since his performance in the 2018 preliminary final, the expectations on Cox have only added to the pressure he’s been under.
“The worst thing that could’ve happened to Mason Cox was him ripping to shreds in that preliminary final,” Cooney said on Channel 7’s Armchair Experts.
“That was the bar for Mason Cox from there and unfortunately he hasn’t reached it.”
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley defended Cox’s performance in Friday night’s loss against Essendon, where he only had two touches and just one mark for the match.
“There was a game he played a couple of years ago where he didn’t get much of it but executed his role well,” Buckley said post-match.
“Big fellas can still be effective in wet conditions because they provide a target.
“Although (Mason Cox) didn’t get much of it he was important for us in the last term.”