Collingwood ruck Mason Cox has issued an apology following confirmation from the club that they received a notice from the AFL.
During the pre-game warm-up before Collingwood‘s match against the GWS Giants, Cox accidentally bumped into Giants’ ruck coach, Shane Mumford.
Collingwood has now verified that the AFL has requested additional information regarding the incident, prompting a league investigation that involves discussions with both clubs.
Mason Cox has been issued a 'please explain' for making contact with an opposition coach before #AFLGiantsPies.
Full details: https://t.co/TsMPW6cwQh pic.twitter.com/r61zPQ7EUr
— AFL (@AFL) March 10, 2024
In the coming days, the AFL will continue its investigation and will provide updates once it is concluded.
Cox expressed regret for the incident, stating, “I apologize for the pre-game incident where I made contact with a GWS official. In the moment, my focus was solely on completing one more drill, but in hindsight, I should have halted my run-up.”
According to several reports, Cox intends to share his version of events on his podcast at a later date.
Collingwood’s response to the AFL clarified that “the umpire bounced the ball while Mason was in motion, coinciding with GWS’s presence.”
This occurred after Cox requested the AFL umpire to bounce the ball to finalize his preparation for the game.
“We have reviewed the situation and determined that it was a transitional period in the center circle, with our ruckmen completing their center bounce practice as the GWS midfield arrived to begin their center-circle work,” stated Collingwood’s GM of Football, Brendon Bolton.
“Cox has acknowledged that contact with opposition officials or players before a game should be avoided and, with our club’s support, will exercise greater awareness in the future.”
