Collingwood big man Mason Cox has issued an apology as fresh footage emerged of the “bizarre” pre-match incident ahead of Saturday night’s clash against the Giants.
In another chapter to the growing rivalry between the two clubs, Cox was spotted running through the Giants’ warm-up area during a ball-up drill.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Exclusive vision of Mason Cox incident.
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The Magpies premiership ruckman pushed an unaware Giants assistant coach Shane Mumford from behind, before jumping up and running away with the ball.
Mumford and Giants players such as Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward looked on in bemusement, while Brent Daniels later described the incident as “bizarre”.
However, fresh footage from Channel 7 shows that Cox was already warming up in the middle when the Giants players arrived for their allotted time.
Collingwood backed that up with a statement in response to the AFL’s “please explain” notice.
The club said the Magpies were completing their pre-game drills during their prescribed window when the Giants arrived to commence their warm-up.
During the transition period, Cox asked for one more bounce from the umpire, which resulted in Cox making contact with Mumford.
“I apologise for the incident in our pre-game where I made contact with a GWS official,” Cox said.
“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.”
Collingwood GM of football Brendon Bolton added: “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.
“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.”
The AFL are continuing to investigate the situation and will deliver their verdict on Tuesday.
Cox was already publicly enemy No.1 with the Giants after describing their home ground as “showground for livestock” after it was announced the reigning premiers would play there to kick the season off.
The Giants hit back numerous times throughout the off-season with CEO Dave Matthews calling the joke “D-grade comedy at best,” before declaring his “hate” for Collingwood three weeks ago.
It set the scene for an explosive clash on Saturday night, and the Giants kept the barbs coming by creating a Mason Cox petting zoo at Engie Stadium, formerly Giants Stadium.
The Giants had the last laugh when Cox failed to register a disposal in the first half and finished with just five possessions in the disappointing loss.