CTV> Shannon Cox is looking forward to the start of the home and away season CTV> Brad Scott addresses the media after the loss to Geelong on Friday nightDespite losing to a formidable Geelong outfit on Friday night, Collingwood is pleased with its pre-season progression and is ready for round one.
Defender Shannon Cox, who has played in every pre-season match this year, was a standout for the team finishing the night with 17 disposals and provided strong run-and-carry through the back-half.
“Round one is a whole new game,” Cox told CTV in the rooms after the game.
“We just have to get ready for round one against Adelaide.”
Cox has relished the opportunity to play in the pre-season competition and has used his illusive body skills to manoeuvre the ball out of defence.
“When I see the defenders over commit, I gather the ball and run around them.
“My goal is to get the ball up onto the wing and get the pressure away from our backline players so we can reset and have a bit of a breather.”
The 23-year-old conceded that while the Magpies made critical mistakes during the match, it was the quality of the opposition that caused the result.
“The Geelong boys are a great side. We weren’t up to their standard tonight but we will be there come round one.”
Cox and his teammates spent 15 minutes with the coaches after the game discussing the progress the team has made in the preseason and to not be disheartened with Friday night’s result.
“The main message was that they (Geelong) were the better team.
“The preseason has been beneficial. Butters (David Buttifant the club’s sports science director) has set up our program so we don’t peak too early. He told us to not be too disappointed in tonight because we are going to peak at the right time.”
