Collingwood have been handed a major boost ahead of Saturday night’s grand final rematch against West Coast at the MCG, with key forward Mason Cox cleared to play by the AFL tribunal.

Cox successfully had the conduct element of his rough conduct charge downgraded from “intentional” to “careless”.

The result was a $3000 fine instead of the one-match suspension he was initially offered.

Cox made a brief statement as he left the tribunal hearing.

“It’s done and dusted,” Cox said.

“We’ll move on to West Coast and we’re looking forward to it.”

Cox admitted he had made high contact with Richmond defender Dylan Grimes but pleaded not guilty to the charge of rough conduct, arguing against the gradings of intentional conduct and low impact.

Cox rejected AFL legal counsel Jeff Gleeson’s suggestion that he took steps directly towards Grimes and said he didn’t see the defender until he got within “two to three feet”.

Cox said he “braced for the collision” rather than bumping Grimes.

Player advocate Robert O’Neill argued the impact was not of sufficient force to be considered low impact and that the available video evidence did not prove Cox had intentionally made contact with Grimes.

Richmond’s medical report said Grimes had no signs of concussion, but was kept off the field because it was late in the game and the result was beyond doubt.

The tribunal panel of former league players Jason Johnson, Wayne Henwood and Richard Loveridge took less than five minutes in deliberation to decide Cox’s conduct was careless, rather than intentional.

Cox, who kicked two goals last year’s epic decider against West Coast, has had more scoring shots than any Collingwood player except for leading goal kicker Jordan de Goey this season.

He is vital to the Magpies’ chances of winning on Saturday night.

West Coast will be bolstered by the return of star wingman Andrew Gaff, who has completed the eight-week suspension that saw him miss last year’s flag.

Premiership players Jamie Cripps and Will Schofield are also pressing for call-ups.