Collingwood tall Mason Cox was left in limbo during the trade period before eventually signing a one-year contract extension.
The 30-year-old forward-ruck says the Magpies encouraged him to explore his options after playing just seven games this year.
“There were conversations at the end of the year with the club and we were pretty upfront,” Cox told SEN’s The Captain’s Run.
“They (Collingwood) said, ‘If you want to look elsewhere, we totally understand given the situation over the last two years’.
“We came to the agreement that there is a chance we might move on. Fortunately enough, the club did offer me another contract after a few things got moved around.
“We were able to get the job done.”
New Collingwood coach Craig McRae had minimal input during Cox’s contract negotiations.
“He (McRae) didn’t get too much into the contract talks. It was basically between Liam Pickering (manager) and Graham Wright,” he said.
“Craig didn’t have too much to do with it. Given our relationship, we didn’t want this (the decision) to be based on emotion.”
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The American admits 2021 was a “frustrating” year, but is looking forward to a fresh start under McRae next season.
“I haven’t really talked to Craig or the other coaches about the game plan and how it’s going to be played,” Cox said.
“I don’t really know the details to it yet. When I get back to Australia, I know I’ve talked to him (McRae) before and said we’ll have a proper sit down and go through it all.
“Last year was quite frustrating. I wasn’t at my best and was frustrated with a few things away from football. It wasn’t the ideal scenario for me.
“I think being back in the States, being able to get a fresh look at everything and a fresh start, I think it’ll be good for my career going forward.”
Cox has kicked 93 goals in 76 games for Collingwood since debuting in 2016.