With its 2024 season over, Collingwood turns to its list management strategy for the new year.
Wanting to improve its list, the Pies are looking to rival clubs to help bolster deficiencies in their game, especially in the key defender department and midfield area.
However, given the trade period doesn't begin until early October, the club has looked inward to see who they'll retain and who they'll let walk.
Collingwood champion and 400-plus gamer Scott Pendlebury has been confirmed to remain at the club.
Pendlebury will enter his 20th AFL season in the black and white and will be one of five re-signings revealed by the Pies.
This contract extension gives the six-time All-Australian an opportunity to narrow down the margin between the games record holder Brent Harvey, who sits on top with 432 matches under his belt.
The next Pie off the rank is utility Will Hoskin-Elliott, who has re-committed to a one-year deal.
Hoskin-Elliott has been a pivotal cog for Collingwood since joining the club ahead of the 2017 season, playing at least 18 games in each year.
The 30-year-old has played in multiple roles for coach Craig McRae, signifying his important to the side and will go on again in 2025.
The rangy right-footer kicked 17 goals in 20 outings this year and will look to help his side return to September action.
Jeremy Howe has followed suit by putting pen to paper, also extending for the one solitary year.
Howe's importance after the medical retirement of Nathan Murphy has been ten-fold, locking down key defensive posts whilst also intercepting the ball.
The 34-year-old played 19 games in 2024 and was utilised as a lead-up forward at times.
Steele Sidebottom is the fourth Collingwood veteran to re-sign, adding another year to his glittering career.
Sidebottom's future didn't appear so black and white, following an early-season form slump.
However, after role changes to the halfback and run-with jobs, the two-time premiership player is reinvigorated, locking away a 17th season in the AFL.
Head of Football Strategy, Innovation and List ManagementJustin Leppitsch said:
“We're pleased to have Scott, Steele, Jeremy and Will sign on for another season in the black and white,” said Leppitsch.
“All four are highly valued and play integral roles for our program both on and off the field.
“Their leadership and experience are invaluable to our environment and each of them play a key role in educating and guiding our next generation of young talent.
“We are sure the Magpie Army are looking forward to seeing them in action in 2025.”
Collingwood has shown its faith in project ruckman Oscar Steene, re-signing the tall for another season.
Steene was signed as a rookie through the AFL's supplementary selection period ahead of the 2023 season.
The South Australian joined the Pies ruck contingent after the departure of Brodie Grundy and has been taken under the wings of Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox.
Steene was a significant contributor for SANFL team West Adelaide before being drafted, showing strong signs as an emerging ruckman.
“We're delighted to have Oscar re-sign with our Club for the 2025 season,” Leppitsch said.
“Despite battling a toe injury this season, Oscar has made positive steps in his recovery and has shown great resilience and dedication to developing his craft.
“We look forward to Oscar's continued development within our environment, and we're excited to see him play a part in the future of our ruck group.”
Steene has played 19 games for Collingwood's VFL side, with most of them played in 2023, averaging 8.9 disposals, 14 hit-outs, 2.3 marks and hitting the scoreboard regularly.
Unfortunately, his 2024 season was hindered by injuries, playing only one match.
Elsewhere, ruckman Aiden Begg has already been confirmed to not be at Collingwood in 2025.