Mason Cox is expected to be an instant inclusion into Collingwood’s team when the squad for a round three clash with Carlton is announced on Thursday evening.

The 211cm American spent last week on the sidelines after he was handed a one-match suspension for a high elbow on Hawthorn’s Daniel Howe in round one.

While the incident capped a disappointing night for Cox, Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury believes he is a crucial member of the Magpies’ starting 22.

Speaking on the Jock and Journo podcast, Pendlebury quickly highlighted Cox’s strengths and areas of improvement since a strong end to 2017.

“Statistically against Hawthorn he had a poor game,” Pendlebury admitted.

“But to me, it was just exciting how much he actually got his hands on the ball.

“I think his biggest issue in the past has been actually getting to the contest, but now he’s got that balance right. When (the marks) start sticking, it’s going to be so exciting.”

LISTEN: Tune in to Jock and Journo on iTunes as Pendlebury discusses the Cox topic further.

For all the criticism of Cox, the ruck-forward is still a developing project. After picking up the sport just four years ago, he has shown considerable growth in his 21 AFL games.

Adding to his unique set of attributes is the fact that despite being the tallest player in the competition, he’s used primarily as a forward, not a ruckman.

According to Pendlebury, it’s a positional move which teammates enjoy.

“It was a very slippery and wet game (in round one), but he could have had 15 contested marks potentially.

“And guys love playing with him in the forward line, because you know if he doesn’t mark it, it’s coming right where you want it in the front and centre zone.”

After being struck by a number of injuries in the opening rounds of the season, Collingwood are also desperate for Cox’s height.

The struggles reached a point on Saturday against the GWS Giants where midfielder Pendlebury was the second-tallest Magpie on the field (behind first-choice ruck Brodie Grundy).

Cox’s anticipated return, plus the likely availability of key position player Ben Reid mean Nathan Buckley will have a more structured outfit to choose from against the Blues on Friday night.

Pendlebury won’t have to play ruck – a topic he also discussed at length during episode two of Jock and Journo.

You can listen to the full podcast below, which features special guest and football media royalty Mike Sheahan.

Topics include:
- Mike Sheahan: Is Pendles an A-grader? (1:00)
- Mike Sheahan: The “wedding of the century” (5:15)
- Pendles playing ruck (8:30)
- Mason Cox and the Butterfly Effect (11:30)
- Has the old Hawthorn returned? (14:45)
- Bad decisions vs bad kicks (19:00)
- An opposition outfit simply “having fun” (22:50)
- Targeting Joel Selwood (25:40)