Mason Cox is free to take on West Coast after having his ban downgraded by the AFL tribunal

Four days after match review officer Michael Christian banned Mason Cox for rough conduct, it took a four-man tribunal jury just five minutes to come up with a different verdict which will allow Cox to take on the Eagles.

Collingwood giant Mason Cox is free to take on West Coast in Saturday night’s Grand Final rematch after the AFL tribunal downgraded his controversial suspension to a fine.

Richmond’s medical report revealed defender Dylan Grimes was cleared of concussion immediately after the off-the-ball collision with Cox.

Four days after match review officer Michael Christian banned Cox for rough conduct it took the four-man tribunal jury just five minutes to deliberate that Cox’s conduct was careless rather than intentional.

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They agreed with Christian's assessment that the charge was high contact and low impact.

Cox, 28, walked out of the complex hearing a happy man and the verdict shapes as a big boost for coach Nathan Buckley as both Grand Finalists look to avoid a 1-2 start to 2019. “It’s a downgraded $3000 fine so it’s done and dusted and we move on to West Coast. Looking forward to it,” Cox said.

The 211cm American sparred for about 10 minutes with AFL legal counsel Jeff Gleeson when he was called to give evidence.

“You’re looking at the ball and the only people you really see are in your peripherals,” Cox said from the stand.

“I braced. He was coming at me at force and I was kind of back on my line.”

Mason Cox chats to reporters after his ban was lifted. Picture: Getty Images

The pair locked horns over whether Cox took steps towards Grimes before contact was made.

They disagreed on virtually every point raised and Cox asked Gleeson to repeat almost every question.

Cox argued he was moving towards the goalpost and not towards Grimes.

Gleeson eventually concluded that Cox’s testimony was “difficult to reconcile with the vision”.

Gleeson said Cox’s action was “not a reflexive brace but a proactive move” and that he collided with Grimes’ jaw.

Tigers doctor Greg Hickey’s medical report stated that Grimes was assessed on-field by a trainer and then came to the bench, where he was cleared of concussion.

Grimes did not miss a day of training.

“As it was late in the game (seven minutes remaining when contact was made with Cox) we kept him off the field,” Hickey’s report said.

Cox’s availability adds to the MCG blockbuster with West Coast star Andrew Gaff certain to return from his eight-match suspension.

Eagles Jamie Cripps (toe) and Will Schofield(thigh) are also chances to return.

Cox now remains on track to celebrate his 50th game on Anzac Day against Essendon, having made his AFL debut in that blockbuster three years ago.

Cox grabbed seven marks and kicked two goals in the second half of last year’s premiership decider while the Magpies have lost all three games to the Eagles last year.

Originally published as Mason Cox is free to take on West Coast after having his ban downgraded by the AFL tribunal

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