Collingwood's Mason Cox has played down a fiery clash with Richmond stars Jack Riewoldt and Dustin Martin in a nail-biting pre-season clash at Marvel Stadium.
Despite the match ultimately counting for nothing, sparks flew between the two Victorian superpowers as Cox got a roll on in the third quarter, leading a Magpies comeback.
While the American big man tried desperately to get his side back into the match, a 27-point deficit proved too big to overcome, with Richmond running out 11. 14. (80) to 11. 8. (74) winners.
Cox and fellow big man Darcy Cameron both finished with three goals apiece, as he gave an insight into the fiery back-and-forth that occurred after one of his goals in the third term.
"I think we're all excited to be back playing footy to be honest," Cox told Fox Footy.
"I always love a bit of chirp here and there and after a few there was a bit going back and forth and a few guys in the forward line decided to come back and give me a bit of lip. It's always in good fun and it's just enjoyable.
"It's a pre-season game, but it's good fun. At the end of the day you shake hands and I think this is what footy is about. I think it's okay. On the field you can talk trash, but once it's done everyone is friends."
While Cox and Cameron's form was the positive for Nathan Buckley's side, the Magpies were given a number of injury headaches, with young gun Will Kelly and veteran Steele Sidebottom both failing to run out the contest.
Kelly suffered a broken collarbone after a clash with Richmond's Dylan Grimes in the second quarter, while Sidebottom didn't last past the first quarter with what was termed "calf awareness" on Fox Footy's coverage.
Reigning Richmond best and fairest winner Jayden Short continued where he left off at the end of last season, finishing with 41 disposals, while Jack Crisp (29 disposals) and Jordan De Goey (27 disposals) were among the best for Collingwood.