Nick Daicos and Darcy Moore have led the tributes for departing teammate Tom Mitchell, who sent a special message to Magpies supporters on Sunday night after Mason Cox was also delisted. Mitchell wasn’t offered a new contract having joined Collingwood in 2022 from Hawthorn and helping them win the 2023 premiership.
The 32-year-old was limited to just 10 games across the last two seasons due to injuries, and Collingwood made the difficult call to move the former Brownlow Medallist on. Mitchell posted on social media on Sunday night thanking his teammates, and also suggesting this wasn’t the end of his career.
Nick Daicos (far right) is among the many paying tribute to Tom Mitchell (second from right). (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
“Chapter three was the best yet,” he said in reference to Collingwood being his third club. “Arrived with a bad set of feathers and left with no hair, lifelong friends, a kid on the way and a premiership.
“Will miss all of my teammates, coaches, the staff and everyone involved with the club. A seriously incredible bunch. To the Collingwood fans, you guys are incredible. Thank you for embracing me and providing the team with the best game day experience you can get in world sport, when that chant echoes across the stadium.
“After reaching the lifelong dream in 2023, the last few years were bloody tough with injury in 2024 and selection in 2025 but I prided myself on being a great teammate and clubman during these times. Thanks to all of the people in my corner for your support when the resilience was tested. You know who you all are.
“I’m hoping the journey isn’t finished and have plenty left to give so staying fit and ready for another opportunity. Looking forward to the premiership reunions in the years to come but equally as excited for the next chapter whatever that may look like. Grateful to be a premiership pie for life. Thank you.”
Collingwood teammates farewell Tom Mitchell and Mason Cox
Daicos and Moore led the tributes, with Daicos posting under Mitchell’s post with the veteran’s initials. Moore wrote: “Some bloody special memories Tommy.” Teammates Isaac Quaynor, Jack Crisp and Dan Houston also posted messages in response.
Cox posted a video on social media over the weekend, thanking the club for his 11 seasons wearing the black and white. Cox was the first American to win an AFL premiership in 2023, but found himself only featuring in 10 games across the 2025 season. And it was confirmed Cox wouldn’t be offered a new contract by the club, which saw the 34-year-old thank Collingwood and the Magpies supporters in a classy video.
Nick Daicos and Darcy Moore have led the tributes for their departing teammates with Collingwood opting not to offer new contracts to Mason Cox and Tom Mitchell. (Images: Getty Images)
There was speculation on whether Cox had played his final AFL game. Although speaking on Monday morning, Cox admitted he wasn’t retiring and was keen to join another club in one last push. “I think I definitely have more in me for sure,” he told Triple M’s Mick in the Morning.
“You just want to kind of finish out your career and just a good kind of cinema at the end, whenever it might be. I think I’ve got a lot left in me and a lot to give, and I’d love to come and play for another club and be valued, to be able to bring something and help younger people along and hopefully find myself.”
Moore also wrote on Cox’s post: “So proud of you my friend.” Swans star and Cox’s former teammate Brodie Grundy also weighed-in. “What an incredible video. This is so special Mason. You should be so proud.” Jack Ginnivan paid tribute to Cox, while Mitchell also wished the ruckman the best in the next step of his journey.
Mason Cox (pictured) became the first American to win an AFL premiership.
Collingwood pay tribute to departing stars
Collingwood released a statement thanking the veteran duo for their time at the club. “We thank Tom and Mason for their contribution to the Club. They are Premiership players who has left a significant mark on the Collingwood Football Club,” team list manager Justin Leppitsch said.
“Tom joined us with already a wealth of experience and has been a great asset for our side and Club. Unfortunately, his injuries in season 2024 found him mostly out of the side for season 2025, despite still playing some great football.
“Still, his experience, knowledge, leadership and support for his fellow teammates will always be appreciated. Mason, who moved to the other side of the world to pursue a sport he had never played before, worked incredibly hard to learn the unique skills of Australian Rules. His dedication and commitment to Collingwood are a credit to the person he is.”
Collingwood looking to refresh ageing squad
Leppitsch already suggested before the AFL Trade Deadline that Collingwood were looking to improve their midfield after failing to secure target Clayton Oliver. “I guess the end of our season finished quite simply with the clearance work and field position Brisbane put on us,” he said. “We just found out in the important time of year that we didn’t have that. So, it’s the first area we’ll look at, it’s not the only area, but it’s the hardest one to fill and do right.”
Although the Magpies only made two trade deals within the window. Brody Mihocek went to the Melbourne Demons for a future third pick, while the Magpies brought in Jack Buller for next to nothing.