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Mason Cox signs new AFL deal with Magpies

Oliver CaffreyAAP
Tall forward Mason Cox has signed a one-year deal to remain with Collingwood.
Camera IconTall forward Mason Cox has signed a one-year deal to remain with Collingwood. Credit: AAP

Mason Cox, Collingwood's American tall forward, will continue playing AFL for the Magpies after signing a one-year contract.

The 30-year-old's future at the club was clouded after new coach Craig McRae refused to guarantee him a new deal before the trade period.

But Cox and the Magpies have come to an agreement which will keep the 211cm giant at the Holden Centre in 2022.

"We are pleased to be in a position to retain Mason for another season," Collingwood football manager Graham Wright said.

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"We know Mason can play a number of roles for us.

"Players capable in the ruck and up forward offer great versatility to a team."

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Cox has kicked 93 goals in 76 games after debuting for Collingwood in the 2016 Anzac Day blockbuster against Essendon.

He was limited to just seven games last season due to injury and form issues.

The best game of Cox's career remains his stunning performance in the 2018 preliminary final, which allowed Collingwood to upset Richmond and earn a spot in the grand final against West Coast.

Meanwhile, premiership journeyman Jacob Townsend is a chance to remain with Gold Coast despite being delisted by the Suns.

Townsend joined Gold Coast for the 2021 season after 12 games with Essendon last year.

The 28-year-old played just two matches with the Suns and was let go by his fourth AFL club on Thursday.

But Gold Coast have told Townsend they will consider picking him up again in the rookie draft.

Rival clubs will be free to take Townsend from next Wednesday when the delisted free agency period commences.

Townsend has been limited to 62 games after starting his career with GWS in 2012 on their inaugural list.

After four seasons with the Giants, the forward moved to Richmond before the 2016 campaign.

Townsend made his name in 2017, playing a vital role in the Tigers' charge towards their first premiership in 37 years.

He booted 16 goals in just five games, including two in the grand final victory over Adelaide, after earning a recall to the team in round 22.

Gold Coast also confirmed they were parting ways with Luke Towey, who is returning to Ireland.

Towey failed to play a senior game after joining the Gold Coast in late 2019.

At Fremantle, Mitch Crowden and Connor Blakely were delisted on Wednesday but the Dockers have committed to taking the pair in the rookie draft.

"In order to give us flexibility as we approach the draft, the tough decision to delist Mitch Crowden and Connor Blakely was made in consultation with both of the players and their management groups," Dockers football boss Peter Bell said.

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