Collingwood ruckman Mason Cox called out for ‘cringe’ pre-match act as Giants set up petting zoo

The ongoing rivalry between the GWS Giants and Collingwood, and in particular Mason Cox, has two new chapters.

There has been no love lost between the two sides since the Magpies’ epic win in last year’s preliminary final.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Mason Cox ruffles Giants in warm-up.

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Both sides have traded barbs throughout the off-season with Cox often at the centre of it all.

It all started when the American called the Giants’ home ground a “showground for livestock” when the AFL announced the Opening Round fixture late last year.

The Giants hit back numerous times throughout the off-season with CEO Dave Matthews calling the joke “D-grade comedy at best,” before declaring his “hate” for Collingwood three weeks ago.

It set the scene for an explosive clash on Saturday night, and the Giants kept the barbs coming by creating a Mason Cox petting zoo at Giants Stadium.

The Mason Cox petting zoo. Credit: X

Collingwood addressed the rivalry with their banner reading: “Roses are red, Giants seem blue, they ‘hate’ us, but we don’t mind you.”

But there was a “y” missing on “they”, which the Giants quickly called out on social media.

Cox, meanwhile, took matters into his own hands during the warm-up when he ran through the Giants’ ruck training drill in the middle of the oval.

Channel 7 cameras picked up the big man pushing aside Giants assistant Shane Mumford and grabbing the ball and running off with it.

“The Giants a bit bemused by Mason Cox going in there,” Brian Taylor said.

The incident quickly divided fans on social media, but former Giant and Essendon player Devon Smith made his thoughts clear.

“Shane Mumford should of whacked him,” Smith wrote on Instagram in a comment that received plenty of likes.

Other fans thought it was all in good fun.

“King,” one fan said.

“Love it. Look at all the fish he will catch in the comments with this as well,” another said.

“Funniest set thing I’ve ever seen,” another added.

But it wasn’t all fun and laughs with many fans not impressed.

“This is beyond cringe,” one fan said.

“Bloke wants to be hated,” another added.

“Is that allowed?” another asked.

Cox had a rough start to the match, failing to register a possession in the first half.