Mason Cox has learnt a lot of things since arriving at Collingwood in 2014 with little knowledge of our game. As he enters his third year with the Magpies, he can now add Auslan to the list of countless new skills.

As Collingwood prepared to take on the Western Bulldogs in the Robert Rose Cup on Friday night, Cox and prospective opposition player Mitch Wallis took part in wheelchair football to acknowledge disability awareness.

After rolling and handballing around Collingwood’s gym, Cox partook in a customary interview with a difference.

Standing next to him as he talked football was Daniel, a VicDeaf interpreter tasked with translating and educating Cox on Australia’s official language of the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

More commonly known as sign language, Auslan is specifically used in Australia. It is a language recognised in its own right, and is not a direct translation of English. Just like accents, there are even variations according to particular Australian states.

While Cox grows his knowledge of Aussie slang, he may have a lot to learn when it comes to Auslan - its own nuisances can be interesting to navigate, and it as rich and diverse as any spoken language.

As Collingwood looks for more ways to create inclusive initiatives and increase the club’s accessibility to all, the American may be calling on his new found skills in the future.

Round one’s proud Community Partner – Robert Rose Foundation

Each year, with the support of proud partner Slater & Gordon, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs compete for the Robert Rose Cup to help raise awareness of the Robert Rose Foundation, as well as raise funds for a range of initiatives.

Both clubs work together to support the Robert Rose Foundation, which provides support to those suffering from spinal cord injuries and their families.

Visit the Robert Rose Foundation website to learn more.