Collingwood big man Mason Cox is hoping to wear prescription sunglasses in AFL games this year.
Cox, 30, has had six different surgeries on his eyes across the past three years due to football related injuries.
According to AFL.com.au, the league will need to approve Cox’s proposal before allowing him to wear the sunglasses in game.
Two surgeries in 2019 left Cox legally blind for a period and he has used contact lenses as a result in the past two seasons.
It is expected that Cox will wear the sunglasses in day games and may also wear them at night if they’re suitable under floodlights.
The sunglasses will no doubt bring the American added attention on field from opposition supporters and players alike, with Cox taking to Twitter writing that he’s “very interested to see what nicknames stick” following the announcement.
Cox is signed to a one-year contract with the Magpies and it’s expected that he’ll feature in more of a ruck role this season after Collingwood brought in tall forward Nathan Kreuger from Geelong this off-season.
The 211cm beanpole played just seven games in 2021 as he battled for form throughout the campaign.