But there's another level of difficulty when you join a code that, for much of your life, you may not have known existed.

There have been plenty of champion footy players who were born overseas and emigrated to Australia at a very young age, giving them ample time to hone their skills.

Players such as Alex Jesaulenko, Peter Bell, Wayne Schwass and Michael Sexton are regarded as some of the game's best products.

But on the back of Mason Cox's exciting AFL debut on Anzac Day, here's a list of the most noteworthy foreign footballers who had to learn their craft the hard way by venturing Down Under at a much later stage in their life.

9. Dwayne Armstrong (Essendon reserves)

Born: US. 0 games, 0 goals

After playing college football for Iowa State in 1991 and 1992 and failing to make it in the NFL, the athletic African-American chanced his arm at the Aussie game. Under the watchful eye of master coach Kevin Sheedy, he spent a few years in the Bombers' seconds but failed to develop to a level that warranted a spot on the primary list, let alone an AFL debut.

8. Mason Cox (Collingwood)

Born: US. 1 game, 1 goal (2015- ).

The big American had not even seen an AFL game two years ago. Was invited to try out in the 2014 US international combine and, after impressive performances, travelled to Australia for a second combine before being snapped up by Collingwood. The former Oklahoma State basketballer spent 2015 in the Magpies' VFL side and sensationally broke through for his first AFL game on Anzac Day. Kicked the first goal of the match in a dream debut.

7. Jason Holmes (St Kilda)

Born: US. 3 games, 0 goals (2014- ).

The Chicago native played college basketball for Mississippi Valley State and Morehead State from 2009-13 and was invited to the 2013 US combine. Later that year he was signed up by St Kilda and after almost two years spent honing his craft as a ruckman with Sandringham in the VFL, played the final three games of the 2015 season for the Saints and averaged 25 hitouts.

Jason Holmes played the last three games of 2015 for the Saints. Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images

6. Zach Tuohy (Carlton)

Born: Ireland. 103 games, 35 goals (2010- ).

Has become one of the game's most damaging running defenders with his pace, skill and booming kick all valuable weapons. Started out his sporting life in the Gaelic Athletic Association with football teams Portlaoise and Laois. His talents caught the eye of Carlton recruiters and was signed by the club in 2009 as an international rookie. Now he is one of the Blues' most senior and highly regarded players.

Zach Tuohy was picked up by Carlton in 2009. Photo: Sebastian Costanzo

5. Pearce Hanley (Brisbane Lions)

Born: Ireland. 112 games, 48 goals (2008- ).

Jim Stynes and Tadhg Kennelly might have been the biggest success stories of the "Irish experiment", but Hanley is arguably the most skilful Irishman to ever lace up a boot in the AFL. The dashing defender is so comfortable with the oval ball, it looks as though he was brought up playing Aussie rules rather than Gaelic football. The former Mayo man is one of the first players picked every week for the Lions.

Lions regular Pearce Hanley. Photo: Getty Images

4. Mike Pyke (Sydney)

Born: Canada. 110 games, 48 goals (2009-2015).

After representing his country of birth in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, he decided to try his luck at Aussie rules at the age of 24 and became a stunning success as a ruckman. His bold move Down Under received the ultimate vindication when he played a starring role in the Swans' upset 2012 grand final win over Hawthorn.

Mike Pyke enjoyed the ultimate AFL success. Photo: Getty Images

3. Sean Wight (Melbourne)

Born: Scotland. 150 games, 63 goals (1985-1995).

Having been scouted while playing Gaelic football in Ireland, he earned the reputation as one of the game's most reliable and athletic defenders in the back half of his career. He represented Victoria in many state of origin games and was inducted into the Melbourne Hall of Fame. Tragically lost his battle with lung cancer in 2011.

Sean Wight flies for a mark.

2. Tadhg Kennelly (Sydney)

Born: Ireland. 197 games, 30 goals (2001-2008, 2010-2011).

When the County Kerry native was first introduced to a Sherrin, he likened chasing after it to trying to catch a rabbit. From those humble beginnings, the dashing defender went on to become a Sydney legend and a member of their famous drought-breaking premiership in 2005. Will forever be remembered for performing an Irish jig on the dais after being presented with his medal.

Premiership Swan Tadgh Kennelly. Photo: Anthony Johnson

1. Jim Stynes (Melbourne)

Born: Ireland. 264 games, 130 goals (1987-1998).

The poster boy of the Irish experiment and comfortably the biggest international success story the VFL/AFL has seen. Arrived in Australia in 1984 at the age of 17 and debuted for the Demons three years later. Quickly became one of the most dominant ruckmen in the competition and incredibly won the Brownlow Medal in 1991. Is credited with revolutionising ruckwork as the super-fit big man practically became another midfielder after the ruck contest and collected disposals all over the ground. He also notched two All-Australian jumpers, four club best-and-fairests, a Leigh Matthews Trophy and is a member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame, Melbourne Team of the Century and Melbourne Hall of Fame. Holds the all-time record for consecutive games played (244), too. Like Wight, his life was cut short by cancer in 2012 at just 45 years of age.

AFL great Jim Stynes. Photo: Getty Images