COLLINGWOOD has axed American big man Mason Cox for its round two clash against Richmond, with both teams ringing the changes ahead of the MCG showdown. 

The Magpies have made two changes, with midfielder James Aish replacing Cox after he was a late withdrawal in round one because of illness. 

Midfielder Tim Broomhead has also come into the 22 as a forced replacement for Travis Varcoe, who was suspended for one match for rough conduct earlier this week. 

Richmond has made three unforced changes, with defender Taylor Hunt, wingman Kamdyn McIntosh and forward Sam Lloyd all omitted following a 43-point win over Carlton in round one.

Hunt has ben replaced by small defender Jayden Short, while in-form half-forward Ben Lennon comes into the team at the expense of Lloyd, who kicked one goal against the Blues.

Lennon, who was on the outer in 2016 and played just three senior games, booted 3.3 in a terrific VFL practice match performance last week, demanding selection.

Midfielder Kane Lambert has also been selected for his first game of the season.

Collingwood went into its round one clash against the Western Bulldogs with a three-pronged tall forward line that included Jesse White, Darcy Moore and Cox.

White was the only big man to hit the scoreboard however, with Cox finishing with eight possessions and 21 hit-outs as a support ruckman for Brodie Grundy. 

Cox has been named as an emergency for Thursday night's clash, along with recruit Lynden Dunn and father-son draftee Josh Daicos. 

The Tigers' emergencies are Hunt, ruckman Ivan Maric and midfielder Anthony Miles.

Richmond v Collingwood at the MCG, Thursday March 30, at 7.20pm AEDT

RICHMOND
In: K.Lambert, B.Lennon, J.Short
Out: T.Hunt, S.Lloyd, K.McIntosh (omitted)

COLLINGWOOD
In: T.Broomhead, J.Aish
Out: T.Varcoe (suspended), M.Cox (omitted)