Collingwood duo reportedly told to look elsewhere: AFL trade news

Off-contract Collingwood duo Mason Cox and Tom Mitchell have reportedly been informed they can seek a move away from Magpieland.

Both Cox and Mitchell have had their exit interviews since the club's preliminary final exit, with neither player having secured their future for 2026.

The Magpies have begun to settle their list for next year, delisting experienced assets Oleg Markov, Charlie Dean, Finlay Macrae and Ashley Johnson this week.

Veterans Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe have all penned one-year extensions, while Will Hoskin-Elliott has called time on his career.

After carrying an all-time ageing list through this year, the Magpies may look to cut some of their more senior players and rejuvenate their squad with youth or prime-aged talent.

According to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey, Cox and Mitchell have both been told by Collingwood that they are permitted to look for new clubs this off-season.

"He had his exit interview this week following the preliminary final loss. There's no guarantee of a contract at Collingwood," Twomey told Trade Radio.

"He's been encouraged to look at his options if there are any clubs offering more guarantees of senior football next year.

"At this stage, Mason Cox is in contract limbo... clubs are becoming aware that his future isn't guaranteed at the Pies.

"Tom Mitchell is the other one here who has been told to explore his options, and has had his name thrown up to clubs as a lock-cost midfield addition.

"That's another watch this space from a Pies veterans point of view."

Cox, who played in the Magpies' two September showings, spent most of this year in the VFL given Darcy Cameron's place as the club's first-string ruckman and Craig McRae's tall attacking trio of Dan McStay, Brody Mihocek and Tim Membrey being a preference for the majority of 2025.

The American has played 139 games in the top flight since debuting as a 25-year-old following a successful trial as a category B rookie selection out of the States.

If Mitchell is to move clubs this trade period, he would join a fourth AFL club at the age of 32, having previously featured for Sydney and Hawthorn.

The Brownlow Medal winner was limited to just four games this year, and a further six in 2024, due to both form and injury as a contest-heavy midfielder.

While Mitchell isn't eligible for free agency in 2025, Cox is, and could move clubs without requiring a trade deal to be finalised.

Free agency opens next Friday and will run through to October 12th, while the trade period will run from October 6-15.

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