DONE DEAL: Collingwood Superstar Mason Cox Announces Groundbreaking Partnership That Will Forever Transform the Future of AFL Community and.. 

In an extraordinary move that has captured the attention of the sporting world, Collingwood Magpies superstar Mason Cox has announced a groundbreaking partnership initiative set to redefine the future of the AFL while promoting global inclusion, community engagement, and youth development across Australia and beyond.

Speaking to an emotional crowd at the Holden Centre, Cox — one of the most unique figures in Australian football — revealed his ambitious vision for a project that will bridge cultures, expand the reach of the AFL, and create pathways for young athletes from all walks of life.

“Footy has changed my life in ways I never could have imagined,” Cox said, his voice filled with gratitude. “Coming from America, I was welcomed into a community that embraced me as one of their own. Now, it’s my turn to give back — to build a future where this game and its values of teamwork, courage, and belonging can reach anyone, anywhere.”

The initiative, titled “One Game Global,” is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the AFL, international sporting federations, community development organizations, and educational institutions. Its goal is to expand Australian Rules Football internationally, increase access to grassroots programs, and foster inclusion and equality through sport.

Through “One Game Global,” Cox and his partners will launch youth clinics, international scholarships, cultural exchange programs, and leadership workshops focused on empowering young people — particularly those from underrepresented communities — to find confidence, identity, and opportunity through the game.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon praised Cox’s leadership and forward-thinking vision, calling it “a defining moment for both the AFL and global sport.” He added, “Mason has always been more than a player — he’s an ambassador for what our game can be: diverse, inclusive, and truly international.”

Collingwood President Jeff Browne echoed those sentiments, saying, “Mason’s journey from Texas to the MCG is the perfect example of what happens when barriers are broken. His initiative will not only grow the game but also inspire young athletes around the world to believe that anything is possible.”

The program will also include a major AFL International Development Fund, designed to build facilities, provide equipment to grassroots clubs, and support community-driven sports programs across Australia, the Pacific, North America, and Europe. Early reports suggest that several high-profile partners — including major tech companies and sports apparel brands — have already pledged support.

Social media exploded following the announcement, with fans applauding Cox for his vision and heart. Hashtags like #OneGameGlobal and #MasonCoxMovement began trending across Australia and the United States. Thousands of supporters shared stories of how Cox’s journey — from a college basketballer in Oklahoma to an AFL Premiership hero — had inspired them to believe in chasing dreams without limits.

Cox, who has long been an advocate for equality and cultural understanding, emphasized the broader purpose behind the initiative:

“This is about more than just football. It’s about bringing people together, breaking stereotypes, and showing the world that sport has the power to unite us — no matter where we come from or what we look like.”

The project will officially launch next season, beginning with a series of “One Game Global Camps” in regional Australia, followed by outreach programs in the United States and Pacific Islands.

As the event concluded, Cox took a moment to thank the Collingwood community and reflect on how far he’s come:

“When I first landed in Australia, I didn’t know a single thing about this sport. But I found a family here. Now, it’s my mission to make sure others around the world can find that same sense of belonging — through footy.”

With this groundbreaking initiative, Mason Cox is proving once again that he’s more than just a trailblazer on the field — he’s a global ambassador for unity, equality, and the limitless power of sport to change lives.