Pies’ face fight to keep Cox

COLLINGWOOD could face a fight to keep Mason Cox as rivals circle the 211cm big man.

Hawthorn and Richmond are both believed to have an interest in the American to help bolster their ruck-forward stocks.

The Magpies have offered Cox a two-year deal and are confident he will continue to develop rapidly at the club after 17 goals from 11 games last season.

But Cox, 26, is eager for more senior game time and faces a big decision on whether to pursue a No. 1 ruck-forward role at another club next year.

Cox is stuck behind No. 1 ruckman Brodie Grundy, who will reclaim the spot on Saturday against Melbourne and has signed a three-year contract extension.

It means Cox will likely assess his trade options in the coming weeks as the Hawks and Tigers scour the player market for versatile talls.

The uncertainty surrounding Nathan Buckley’s position has also clouded Cox’s decision with the senior coach still in the dark about his own future beyond this season.

Cox struggled to have an impact in the early part of the season as a key forward but has shown encouraging form in the ruck during Grundy’s suspension over the past fortnight.

The former American basketballer had 43 hit-outs, eight tackles, nine possessions and six marks in their 11-point loss to Geelong on Saturday at the MCG in one of the best games of his 19-match career.

Grundy has signed a $625,000 a year contract offer to lead the Magpies’ midfield until the end of 2020. The deal should be announced this week.

The Pies can ill-afford to lose Cox after fighting off rivals to secure him with pick 60 in the 2015 rookie draft.