Fans have reacted savagely to the AFL’s proposal to reignite its talent Combines in America.

Channel 7’s gun reporter Xander McGuire revealed on Wednesday that the league was again making a bid to “internationalise players” and had its eyes firmly planted on the US.

“Mason Cox remains the greatest success story from the AFL’s USA scouting, with the league hoping to recreate his pathway into the future,” McGuire said.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon confirmed the news, saying it “was small steps at the moment” but believed there was a “really good” opportunity for US athletes coming to Australia.

“I think there’s opportunities for our game in the US market,” Dillon said at the SportNXT conference in Melbourne.

“I just think there’s different ways about going about it.”

The AFL conducted its US Combine annually from 2012 to 2017 with Cox — who had played basketball for Oklahoma State University — impressing in 2014 before signing with Collingwood.

But fans were less than impressed, and not overly happy that Cox was considered the posterboy for the concept.

“How about we have more lists spots for Australian players,” one fan blasted on social media.

And another: “Kids in Aus grow up dreaming to be an AFL player only to lose out on a list spot because it’s reserved for a Category B athlete from USA who’s never heard of the game and may have a miniscule chance of one day becoming a decent player. Makes sense.”

Of course, international players don’t really take spots from local players.

The AFL makes concessions to clubs who sign international players, and they can be signed as a Category B rookie which sits outside normal rookie-listed players.

Despite that fact, many fans still believe it’s a waste of money.

“How about save the money and cut the middle management fat out of the AFL and give more money to grass roots,” one fan said.

And another: “How about looking at areas in Australia that do not get a go?”

And another: “Talent not good enough here in Australia? A kick in the teeth to the local kids in the name of an AFL gimmick.”

Cox has played 129 AFL games and is a 2023 premiership player for Collingwood.

He starred in a preliminary final against Richmond in 2018 to help send the Pies into the grand final that year.

But at times he has been maligned by fans for underwhelming performances.

Amid concerns about the Tasmanian expansion team, Dillon also said the new Hobart stadium “absolutely” remains a cornerstone of the Devils joining the AFL.

He said there was also local opposition to Optus Stadium in Perth and the Adelaide Oval redevelopment before those projects happened.

- With AAP