Melbourne defender Adam Tomlinson is still being eyed off by Collingwood as the club looks to bring in support for Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe.
Tomlinson has struggled for senior opportunities since joining the Demons ahead of the 2020 season after his stint at GWS, falling behind the likes of Steven May, Jake Lever, Tom McDonald and Harrison Petty.
The 31-year-old has played 32 games across the past four campaigns, including eight in 2024 and would be a suitable replacement for Nathan Murphy, according to AFL Media.
Tomlinson would slot into the Pies' defence to help bolster its backline, which, at times, struggled throughout the year.
Collingwood hasn't been shy in its hunt for key-defensive depth after the retirement of Nathan Murphy, having recently fallen short in a pursuit to reunite with Adelaide's Mark Keane.
Craig McRae has trialled Charlie Dean and Billy Frampton in the key defensive slot to relatively good effect, although they failed to make a consistent impact in the senior line-up.
Forward turned defender Reef McInnes has been seen in the VFL down back.
Collingwood could sign Tomlinson as a delisted free agent in November when that window opens.
It comes as the club recently landed Harry Perryman in the opening day of free agency.
The Pies are also working with Gold Coast and John Noble in a potential trade despite him being contracted for the next two seasons.
Collingwood is also heavily into Dan Houston but will need at least a first-round pick to even get a seat at the table with Port Adelaide.
