NATHAN Buckley saw enough to suggest Mason Cox is ready to break out further this year as the Collingwood coach looks to field almost a full-strength squad in their final pre-season clash.

Collingwood lost to Fremantle in Mandurah on Saturday thanks to a goal after the siren to Ed Langdon.

The returns of Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams, Adam Treloar and Brodie Grundy were significant as was a dominant showing in defence from Jeremy Howe, but the forward line was lively too.

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Jesse White and Darcy Moore showed glimpses but it was the American Cox who starred.

He kicked three goals from 11 possessions while also helping Grundy in the ruck.

“That was a real step forward for him to be able to respond to a tough start and be a pretty significant forward target for our entries,” Buckley said.

“He has actually had a really strong pre-season, his marking is strong and even if he’s not marking he is putting the defenders under a fair bit of pressure.

media_camera Mason Cox in action against Fremantle. Picture: Getty Images

“He got some free-kicks and that’s going to happen if you keep trying to win the ball at the highest point.”

Collingwood’s final pre-season hit-out will take place on Saturday against Richmond in Moe ahead of their round one clash with defending premiers Western Bulldogs.

Buckley expects Jamie Elliott and Josh Smith to take on the Tigers with experienced key defender Ben Reid a chance too.

“Elliott and Smith now should be right and there’s a couple of others in the mix, but we play with two less next week going down to 24,” he said.

“We rotated five through the majority of this game and Trav Varcoe and Jack Crisp missed the second half because they’ve had a solid load and have been fantastic for us.

“Josh Daicos had three quarters and showed some signs with cameos. It was good to get Matt Scharenberg in for the second half as well and Josh Thomas.”

One man who won’t face Richmond and is unlikely for round one is North Melbourne recruit Daniel Wells, who continues to battle a calf complaint.

“He still has a little bit of work to do to get right to play,” Buckley said. “We’re not doing him any favours if we push him out before he’s ready to go. The clock’s ticking and we’re three weeks away from round one, but we won’t be forcing him in before he’s ready.”