Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has addressed the form of key forward Mason Cox following his quiet performance in the loss to Hawthorn last Friday night.

Cox had just six disposals against the Hawks and is averaging 9.4 disposals and 1.5 goals from his 10 appearances in 2019.

The Magpies are struggling to kick a winning score in attack, averaging just 72.5 points since Round 10 – ranked 15th in the competition.

When asked on SEN Mornings whether the American needs a spell in the VFL to regain some confidence, Buckley replied: “There’s an argument for that.”

“We believe that Coxy is capable of finding better. He’s been a bit like us, he hasn’t performed at his best.

“What’s the best decision for the team first and foremost, but what honours selection across your group? Because the players that are toiling away in the VFL and are working for their opportunity to come and contribute at AFL level, they need to believe that they’re going to be rewarded.

“But there are simply some times where you cannot replace a player at the top without completely undermining your structure.”

Buckley also rated Jeremy Howe's chances of returning from a calf injury for Friday night’s Grand Final rematch against West Coast at Optus Stadium as “unlikely".

“He’s a chance, but he’s unlikely,” he added.

“It’s no use bringing blokes back if the risk is too great and you lose them for another three to four weeks.”

Collingwood currently have an extensive injury list that includes the likes of Howe, Taylor Adams (adductor), Tom Langdon (knee), Ben Reid (calf), Daniel Wells (knee) while Dayne Beams has taken an indefinite break from the game.