Collingwood big man Mason Cox has issued an apology to GWS and ruck coach Shane Mumford, after a bizarre incident before the Magpies’ Saturday night loss.
In another chapter to the growing rivalry between the two clubs, Cox brazenly ran into the Giants’ warm-up area during a ball-up drill.
The Magpies premiership ruckman pushed an unaware Mumford from behind, before jumping up and running away with the ball.
Mumford – one of the AFL’s most imposing ruckmen during his career that ended in 2021 – and Giants players such as Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward looked on in bemusement at Cox’s antics.
The AFL issued a ‘please explain’ to Collingwood over Cox’s actions on Sunday, with the Magpies and Cox explaining how the incident came about.
“We have reviewed the situation and it is clear it was a period of transition in the centre circle – our rucks were completing their centre bounce practice as the GWS midfield arrived to commence their centre-circle work,” Magpies football general manager Brendon Bolton said in a statement.
“Mason has acknowledged that making contact with opposition officials or players pre-game should be avoided and with our Club’s support, will be more aware in future.”
Cox also issued an apology for the altercation.
“In the moment, I was solely focussed on getting one more bounce in – in hindsight, I should have stopped my run-up rather than completing the drill,” he said in a statement.
Giants forward Brent Daniels didn’t know about the incident until watching a replay after the Giants’ 32-point win on Saturday night, but took full aim at the American.
“Mason likes to say things that get a bit of a headline,” Daniels told the Nine Network on Sunday.
“He likes the limelight, but what he did before the game I thought was really bizarre. A bit of carry on.
“I’d like to think we’re really humble and hungry as a team.
“To see that wasn’t a good look.”
Cox was already public enemy No.1 with the Giants after describing their home ground as “a showground for livestock” when the AFL announced it would be starting the 2024 season with four games in NSW and Queensland.
The Giants social media team and Cox traded barbs all summer in the lead-up to the match.
GWS even set-up a petting zoo at Engie Stadium, formerly Giants Stadium, and named it after Cox.
The Giants had the last laugh when Cox failed to register a disposal in the first half and finished with just five possessions for the match.
“If you’re going to do that you’d want to back it up on the field,” said Daniels, who starred with four goals.
“His comments grab media and that’s what he wants. We know we’re a small base but we love our Giants fans and last night was really special.
“‘Mummy’ (Mumford) doesn’t usually hold back so luckily he did this time.”
In a now-deleted post on his Instagram on Sunday, Cox said there had been “lots of false commentary” surrounding the incident.
“Will explain what actually happened on this weeks (sic) podcast,” Cox wrote.
Irie
Roar Rookie
You can't become something you already are!
Laurie
Roar Rookie
Fair enough. Last season Cox was 21st for hit outs and 100th for goals so he's no Max Gawn. But yes, a premiership medal is the ultimate reply to any critics. The Swans could be a handful this week Peter.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Cox was instrumental in the ruck in last year’s GF
Kane
Roar Rookie
If Cox didn’t strut around like he was the best ever player and carry on like he does then what happened on the weekend wouldn’t have even been talked about
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
I can't believe this comment was allowed.
Bretto
Roar Rookie
Gold Coast did what YOU told them to do? Thank god they were listening! Could you please tell Collingwood players to try harder, have some form of a defensive gameplan, and improve the run & carry. I sincerely hope THEY are listening.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Only Lynne and Dylan left. Why didn't Ringo replace Charlie?
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
If you weren’t a travelling willboury, she could have been yours.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I can't believe she married that ugly guy.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
I would
.kraM
Roar Rookie
Not fit to tie the bootlaces of the real North American GOAT Mike Pyke
Knoxy
Roar Rookie
Each to their own I guess. Personally I wouldn’t trade Collingwood’s track record for Richmond. We may have lost a lot of grand finals, but supporting our club is one hell of a ride. I’ve seen so many memorable finals moments over the decades, from Anthony Rocca’s 70m goal in the 2002 Preliminary Final, to Jack Anthony’s winning goal in the 2009 semi. Oh and don’t forget the time Mason Cox pulled Richmond’s collective pants down in front the whole country in the 2018 Prelim. Give me that thrilling ride over languishing down the bottom of the table like ‘Ninthmond’. It’s about the journey as much as it’s about the destination. :stoked:
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Embarrassing for both the AFL and The Roar that this is now the main headline :shocked: When’s the next game start FFS !
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Ha ha. I usually make light of my trivia
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
WE could get together and travel the country cleaning up on trivia nights.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
"Gazpacho, is that you? Tell us it ain't so"
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Bryan Adams and Ryan Adams are both born November 5. Chris Cornell and Cat Stevens; July 21.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Yup pretty much like don’t get me wrong he has played a couple good games but the fact that he’s still playing at 32 is a miracle
McNo
Roar Rookie
You better leave Pete. There's no room for nuance or common sense here mate
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
“Hindsight”? Is that when you see/think with your bum? Brendon Bolton has learned how to tell porkies since he’s been at The Pies. Dishonest, Brendon.