Why Cox isn’t expecting a drop-off from Magpies veterans as new recruits impress

Collingwood ruckman Mason Cox is excited about what the club’s off-season recruits can bring on the field in 2025.

The Magpies added two-time All-Australian Dan Houston via trade, versatile former Giant Harry Perryman as an unrestricted free agent and marking forward Tim Membrey as a delisted free agent during the player movement period.

The new Collingwood trio all trained on Tuesday despite only first-to-four year players being required at the AIA Centre and Cox says that they’ve all made a strong first impression.

“We had our first big training session yesterday and all three of them were there,” Cox told SEN Breakfast.

“That's a good sign whenever you have players coming in that they're committed from day-dot to come out, learn everyone's names and dive into the culture of the club.

“Those guys are slotting in really well. It's exciting, they're really good talents.

“With Dan Houston, I had a few training sessions with him before (the official pre-season began) and he's a pretty handy player, I would say.

“It's going to be nice to have him in the centre with ruck taps and with his ability to get the ball forward, he's a really good player.

“Tim Membrey and Harry Perryman are also impressing me and a lot of the other people around the club.”

Adding three players with AFL experience was another sign that the 2023 premiers are all-in at chasing another flag, and while the list enters 2025 as the oldest in the competition, Cox doesn’t agree with those who question why the likes of Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe are playing on.

“Every year you're all-in, we've got that experience and that really showed in 2023 when we won the whole thing,” Cox said.

“Last year we had a few injuries to some of the more experienced players and that gave an opportunity to some of the younger guys.

“I think a lot of people are sitting there saying that some of these players are kind of going on and on… but I think there's still quite a bit of football to be played for a lot of these guys that are being looked at as towards the back end of their career.

“Scott Pendlebury hasn't shied away from how fit he is, he’s doing triathlons up in Queensland and is as fit as ever.

“I don't really see any of these players that people think that towards the back end of their career slowing down anytime soon. Some of them are in probably the best shape of their life.”

Collingwood are slated to open their 2025 season with an Opening Round clash against GWS at ENGIE Stadium on Sunday, March 9.