Collingwood heart-and-soul player Brayden Maynard is still scratching his head regarding the club's decision to walk Brody Mihocek and Mason Cox out the door, with the pair continuing their careers at rival clubs.
The Pies' forward-50 struggles have plagued the club since Round 18 last year, failing to kick over 100 points in 12 contests, while going at an average of 73.1 points per game.
Mihocek led the club's goal-kicking five times (2019-2023), while Cox was a handful up forward and would've been the perfect jumping ruck under the new rules.
"We obviously got rid of a five-time leading goalkicker in ‘Checkers'," Maynard said, according to News Corp.
"No-one wanted him gone, I don't know what happened there, but anyway. Then Coxy (Mason Cox) went (to Fremantle), and we had to figure out a way to score, and we do have boys down there that can score.
"I do miss him a lot, I had a really good relationship with ‘Checkers', a real unique one. I love him very much, so did everyone. But that is football, that is the industry we live in, and he is doing really well at Melbourne, and it's good to see."
Mihocek has enjoyed his life as a Demon, playing in two wins as a staple inside 50. Cox, who signed with Fremantle during the pre-season, has yet to debut.
The pair crossed paths in Round 2, when Melbourne headed west to face the Dockers.
"Him and I were in the same boat," Mihocek told AAP.
"We sort of left and felt a bit weird about it, but I think it was the best thing for both of us. I know he's enjoying his time over in the west, and it'll be good to see him.
"It's a bit weird watching the Pies, but you know when you're nearly out the door or need to go and have a fresh start. I needed it for me as well."
The Pies welcomed Jack Buller from Sydney via the trade period in a bid to replace Mihocek, and have unveiled ruckman Oscar Steene as an exciting prospect following his tremendous debut against GWS.
