Collingwood could turn to two project players to snap form slump on Anzac Day

NATHAN Buckley could turn to project midfielder Rupert Wills and American import Mason Cox to help snap Collingwood’s dramatic form slump.

Geelong v. Collingwood at Simonds Stadium.

NATHAN Buckley could turn to project midfielder Rupert Wills and American import Mason Cox to help snap Collingwood’s dramatic form slump in Monday’s Anzac Day blockbuster.

The two mature-aged Magpies are on standby to make their AFL debuts in front of 80,000-plus people after surprise losses to Melbourne and St Kilda left Collingwood’s early finals hopes reeling.

It would be a baptism of fire for the 211cm Cox, who has blossomed in a ruck-key forward role in the Pies’ VFL team since playing his first game of Australian Rules in February last year.

The 25-year-old is looming as a straight replacement for spearhead Travis Cloke, who will have an assessment on his injured elbow at the club.

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But it threatens to leave Collingwood with an inexperienced forward line, led by 13-gamer Darcy Moore and new Pie Jeremy Howe, in one of the biggest games of the season.

Defender Ben Reid (knee) and Ben Sinclair (concussion) are also in doubt for the clash against Essendon at the MCG.

Jaryd Cachia battles with Rupert Wills in the VFL. Picture: Kylie Else

Powerful midfielder Wills, 22, has emerged as a selection bolter after an outstanding performance in the VFL loss to Casey Scorpions on Sunday.

The 191cm ball-winner played only six games in the VFL side last year amid concussion issues but was drafted by Collingwood with pick No.63 in November’s national draft.

Cox shone in the Pies’ NAB Challenge win against Geelong, twice outmarking Harry Taylor.

The former Oklahoma State University basketballer had 36 hit-outs in the VFL team’s Round 1 win.

Crafty forward Tim Broomhead, key defender Jack Frost and utility Tyson Goldsack, a late withdrawal from Sunday’s loss to the Demons after falling ill, are also in the mix.

Buckley is under mounting scrutiny after signing a one-year contract extension before the season started.

But captain Scott Pendlebury said the players accepted full responsibility for the poor start to the season.

“It actually felt like the second half was fairly even (against Melbourne),” Pendlebury said.

“We just couldn’t take our chances and it was pretty high-pressure game; we had close to 100 tackles.

“So, from that side of it we improved. Just too many costly errors with the footy really hurt us.”

The injury toll continues to climb and the Pies have already used 32 players this season, four more than the next club and only one fewer than in their 2010 premiership campaign.

Buckley said he would not shy away from making tough calls on underperforming players at selection this week.

The Magpie players went to a scheduled social function at the club after completing their recovery on Sunday night.