Collingwood forward Mason Cox will miss the remainder of the 2019 AFL season due to an eye injury he suffered in the match against Gold Coast at the MCG on Sunday.

Cox will have surgery later this week for a tear of the retina in his left eye that will require an extended break from physical activity.

“Mason has been advised that after the surgery he will need a number of weeks rest which means that he will not play again this season,” Collingwood GM of Football, Geoff Walsh, said.

“You don’t take risks with situations like this. A second appointment with a specialist this morning confirmed that Mason suffered a tear to his retina that needs surgical repair.

“It is obviously a disappointment, especially for Mason, but importantly he is expected to make a complete recovery. We look forward to his return to the club.”

Cox received an accidental finger to his left eye in the second term of the match against the Suns and was withdrawn from the contest at half-time. He was taken to hospital a short time later and was examined again this morning.

This time last year Cox was on the cusp of a break out finals campaign that culminated in a commanding preliminary final performance and two goals in the grand final. The American has played 58 matches for the Magpies and kicked 71 goals.

Meanwhile, Collingwood midfielder Dayne Beams has undergone shoulder surgery.

Beams was slated for surgery post-season. A decision to bring the operation forward was taken to ensure he recovers in time for the commencement of the 2020 pre-season.

Beams was troubled for much of the year by the shoulder complaint. It is the second operation the decorated on-baller has had in 2019, with a hip injury repaired in May. He subsequently took time away from the game for mental health reasons and returned to the AFL program last week.