Mason Cox has scored a surprise two-year deal after securing an AFL career lifeline by Fremantle.

The American ruckman was delisted by Collingwood last month, bringing an end to his premiership-winning stint at the powerhouse club.

But he will be sticking around for some time yet after bucking the one-year deal trend for players in their 30s.

Cox, who turns 35 in March next year, will sign with the Dockers for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

The 211cm big man only made his AFL debut at the age of 25.

He racked up 139 senior games for the Magpies and made a further 59 appearances in the VFL.

The AFL’s rule change to dump the substitute and expand the interchange bench to five players was a big factor in Fremantle’s decision to sign Cox.

“Expect them to commit to two rucks and three tall

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