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Hands up who wants a new contract:Mason Cox has re-signed for two more years at the Magpies.Credit:Getty

Sources with knowledge of the contracts,who did not wish to be named,said the club remained in negotiations with Josh Daicos’ management over a six-year contract extension.

Cox committed until 2025 alongside key forward Ash Johnson and high half-forward Harvey Harrison,with the trio all extending their time at the Magpies for two more years.

Collingwood’s football manager Graham Wright said the club was excited about the future development of all three players in the next two seasons.

The elder of the Daicos brothers,who will be an unrestricted free agent when he comes out of contract at the end of next year,is a priority re-signing for Collingwood.

Daicos was a bottom-age selection when taken as a father-son pick and so despite activating free agency,he will play all of next year as a 25-year-old and turn 26 in his next contract. His age has encouraged the club to consider long-term deal.

Nick Daicos with Josh Daicos and Jordan De Goey after the Magpies’ win over Sydney.Credit:AFL Photos

Cox,in contrast,is 32 years old but was also to be a free agent when coming out of contract at year’s end. He has been a regular under Craig McRae this year working as second ruck and forward to Darcy Cameron. He has played 13 games in the last two years,only missing through injury this year,after playing 32 in the previous three seasons (one of which was COVID-affected).

While Cox has largely had a good year and been an effective forward target and second ruck,averaging better than a goal and four marks a game,his form has dropped off recently.

He had a poor game on Saturday night against Port Adelaide when he was held goalless and managed only six disposals and two marks. His performance prompted pundit and former North Melbourne premiership player David King to warn he was under pressure to hold his spot.

“I think Mason Cox has a huge challenge right in front of him right now to become tougher in the ruck or more bankable as a forward,” King said on Fox Footy.

“Otherwise he’s just likeSeinfeld;he’s a big show about nothing. We talk a lot about Mason but he has to find a way to impact games.

“[Ash] Johnson is back in the mix,[Billy] Frampton is back in the mix as a defender that can release maybe Darcy Moore off the[big Charlie] Dixon types. I think Frampton can do 15 ruck knocks a game off the bench.

“The challenge is there – second ruck position up for grabs at Collingwood.”

Last week Collingwood announced the re-signing of Beau McCreery and John Noble to new three-year deals while youngster Jakob Ryan,who is yet to make his debut,has been extended for two years.

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