Magpies' Cox presses case for AFL start

Mason Cox, the first man to wear sunglasses in an AFL-sanctioned game, has pressed his case to start the season for Collingwood.

The American's future with the Magpies hung in the balance after playing just seven games in 2021, before belatedly securing a new one-year deal.

Darcy Cameron was preferred as Collingwood's ruck-forward option for most of last year, but Cox was the Magpies' choice in their practice match against Hawthorn in Morwell on Friday.

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After gaining approval from the AFL to wear prescription eyewear in games to help his vision, Cox booted three goals against the Hawks in a commanding display.

Cameron also featured in the six-term trial match, but he was overshadowed by his 30-year-old teammate.

Collingwood assistant coach Scott Selwood liked what he saw from Cox, who has kicked 93 goals in 76 games for the Magpies.

"We're still working out that mix, but we've done a heap of work on our fundamentals and our ability to fight in the contest and I think we saw that from Mase," Selwood said.

"When he was in one-on-one contests, he took some nice clunks but when he didn't he brought the ball to ground and then he was able to pressure.

"He gave us different looks and gave our forwards a really food contest.

"He's going really well and hopefully we can find something from him in there."

Cox provided solid support for ruckman Brodie Grundy, who was in promising touch as he seeks to return to the sort of form that earned him All-Australian honours in 2018 and 2019.

Collingwood experimented with different midfield combinations, with the likes of recruit Patrick Lipinski and Jack Crisp often used in the middle in favour of veterans Scott Pendlebury and Steele