Cox of the Magpies apologizes for shoving the Giants’ ruck coach.

Mason Cox, a big man for Collingwood, has expressed regret for pushing Greater Western Sydney ruck coach Shane Mumford during an odd pre-game altercation.

Cox sprinted into the Giants’ warm-up area during a ball-up practice prior to Saturday night’s opening-round game at Engie Stadium, adding another chapter to the two teams’ developing rivalry.

The Magpies premiership ruckman shoved an unaware Mumford from behind, before jumping up and running away with the ball.

Collingwood and Cox were asked to explain the incident to the AFL.

Cox released a statement on Monday apologizing for the situation during our pregame where he spoke with a GWS official.”

“In retrospect, I should have stopped my run-up instead of finishing the exercise because my only goal at the time was to get in one more bounce.”

Before the preliminary final rematch, Collingwood reported that players and officials from the two teams were crossing over to practice center bounces.

The Magpies maintain that in order to complete his preparation, Cox asked an umpire to bounce the ball one more time.

Interim Collingwood football manager Brendon Bolton stated, “We have analyzed the event and it is apparent that was a period of transition in the center circle – our rucks were concluding their center bounce exercise as the GWS midfield came to commence their center-circle work.””

“With the backing of our club, Mason has realized that it is best to avoid interacting with opponent officials or players prior to a game and will be more mindful going forward.”

The event is still under investigation by the AFL. Brent Daniels, a player for the Giants, shot Cox in the face despite being unaware of the incident until he saw a replay of the team’s 32-point victory.

Mason enjoys making statements that garner attention, Daniels said to the Nine Network on Sunday.”

“He enjoys being in the spotlight, but his pre-game behavior was absolutely strange. A little continuation.”

“As a squad, I think we’re incredibly hungry and humble.”It wasn’t a good look to witness that.”

With the Giants, Cox was already the team’s biggest public opponent after calling their home field “a showground for animals” in response to the AFL’s announcement that the 2024 season will begin with four games in NSW and Queensland.

In honor of Cox, GWS even established a petting zoo at Engie Stadium, formerly known as Giants Stadium.

When Cox finished with just five possessions in Saturday’s 114-82 victory for the home team and failed to record a disposal in the first half, the Giants had the final laugh.

The four-goal standout Daniels stated, “If you’re going to do that, you’d want to back it up on the field.”