Collingwood's gaping hole was laid bare in 2024 with the medical retirement of Nathan Murphy, leaving a void that has yet to be filled.

Adelaide's Mark Keane denied a reunion with the Pies after extending his time at West Lakes, while other key defenders Tom Barrass and Josh Battle have pledged their desire to join destination club Hawthorn.

So, available talls are few and far between.

But a pair of Demons - Tom McDonald and Adam Tomlinson - are without contracts for 2025 and pose as "Moneyball" options for Collingwood.

SEE MORE: Melbourne's "major backflip" as club undergoes external review

Both are on the wrong side of 30 and wouldn't cost a heap to get across, both financially and in draft capital if Melbourne were to entertain a trade.

Since joining Melbourne from GWS, Tomlinson has played 45 games across five seasons and has fallen behind the likes of Jake Lever and Steven May.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 11: Tom McDonald and Adam Tomlinson of the Demons walk off the field after a win during the 2021 AFL Round 04 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 11, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The 31-year-old has played a multitude of roles under Simon Goodwin, which would make him appealing for the Pies.

But ultimately, it would help Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe lock down the opposition's offensive weapons.

For Tomlinson, the writing has been on the wall for some time at the Demons, and now out of contract, could seek a move to a third club.

It was reported that St Kilda was heavily into the former Giant given the Battle departure, but a play from the Pies wouldn't be a shock.

McDonald's future at the Demons seemingly remains more secure after missing only one game in 2024.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 07: Blake Howes of the Demons handballs during the Opening Round AFL match between Sydney Swans and Melbourne Demons at SCG on March 07, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Following the 2021 flag, where he played as a forward, the 31-year-old battled with injuries and form before a move to defence cemented his spot in the senior side.

From the outset, McDonald appears to be the first choice alongside Blake Howes, May and Lever.

Harrison Petty is a proven defender, albeit thrust into the forward line, while Dan Turner is coming along nicely after being taken in the 2020 Mid-Season Draft.

Melbourne's list sits in a precarious spot amid a turbulent 12 months that has seen Christian Petracca seek a trade away from the club.

With the Demons confirming an external review will be endured, now is the time to make some tough calls.

Or fear hovering in no-man's land.