AFL great Luke Hodge has sent a stern warning to Mason Cox after the Fremantle big man “flopped” for a free kick during Saturday’s loss to Melbourne.
Cox is enjoying a solid first season at the Dockers, playing 14 games to keep fellow big man Sean Darcy out of the side.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Mason Cox warned over flopping at the MCG
While he has only managed four goals, he has been impressive around the ground with some strong marks and good contested work.
But during the loss to the Demons, Cox had a moment to forget when he played for a free kick during the last quarter.
The Dockers were leading by 10 points in the closing stages and Cox was one out at the top of the goalsquare with opponent Jake Lever when he launched himself forward after slight contact from the Demon.
The umpire called play on and the ball bounced away to Michael Frederick, who ended up kicking a point.
But had Cox held his ground and contested the mark against an opponent 16cm shorter, it might have been a different story.
Cox also made a shocking error earlier in the match when his kick across goal resulted in an easy turnover and goal for Melbourne.
Hodge has been impressed with Cox’s work around the ground, but gave him a “strong warning” over staging for free kicks.
“I love this part of his game. Go back and help out your defenders. Take an intercept mark,” Hodge said on The Agenda Setters.
“If there’s a Murphy Reid running around the back of you, maybe give him a handball.
“This kick. Everyone makes mistakes. I’m OK with that. You made a mistake. Move on.
“What I can’t handle is this next action, and we just saw it before with the play.
“If you’re on the MCG, you do not flop. Mason, if you flop again, you’ll never play AFL again in your career.
“Go back to the WAFL. MCG, big day, big game. Don’t flop.”
Fremantle will be looking to bounce back when they host Adelaide in a blockbuster on Friday night.
The will make at least one change with captain Alex Pearce set to return after he was managed last week.
There is also doubt surrounding Murphy Reid, who is struggling with groin soreness.
