Kane Cornes has questioned the selection of Mason Cox, labelling it a “mistake” made by Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and his match committee.
The 211-centimetre Cox has been brought in to replace Darcy Cameron for tonight’s meeting with GWS at Giants Stadium but his inclusion could upset the Magpies forward line, according to Cornes.
He feels that Cox will act as a central figure which could detract from the speedy and dangerous smaller forwards creating havoc inside forward 50.
“Collingwood welcome back the big American Mason Cox for tonight’s game against the Giants in Sydney,” Cornes said on SEN’s The Captain’s Run.
“Unfortunately though for the Pies it’s a selection mistake.
“They don’t need him and it threatens to disrupt the electric chemistry the Pies forwards had against the Saints last week.
“The unpredictable entries had St Kilda’s defence guessing (last weekend) and nervous and with Cox coming back into the front six, he’ll automatically draw the ball and risk the side becoming predictable as they have in the past when the big seven-footer has played.
“Collingwood have a prototype forward mix.
“Brody Mihocek is the key target who does the grunt work and heavy lifting. The brilliant Jordan de Goey who also plays tall. Then you surround them with speed, pressure and brilliance. (Jaidyn) Stephenson, (Jamie) Elliott, the ever-improving (Josh) Daicos and Browns (Tyler and Callum).
“It’s a nightmare for the opposition.
“The selection of Mason Cox threatens to derail the chemistry at the Magpies. I wouldn’t have picked him.”
The Magpies go into tonight’s clash sitting second on the ladder with a record of two wins and a draw while the Giants find themselves 13th with a 1-2 record.