Collingwood's off-season strategy has hinted the club will look to contend for the premiership again in 2025, but whether Craig McRae has the list to go the distance remains to be seen.

The addition of three mature players who can have a resounding impact from Opening Round is sure to excite the Magpies faithful following their September-less season last year.

Having won a premiership only 18 months ago, the Magpies have enough players ready to reach the summit once more, but it will be their younger ranks that make the difference in the coming season to see if they can do it all again.

Here we assess Collingwood's defenders, midfielders and forwards before listing a best 23 side for 2025.

Our Best 23 for 2025 series will include players unavailable for the start of the season, only excluding players who are expected to miss most/all of the season through injury/suspension.

2. Midfielders

Collingwood will have a new-look midfield in 2025 with the arrivals of Harry Perryman and Dan Houston, who are both set to share their time in defence and midfield.

Perryman is likely to have a larger role to play after crossing from GWS in pursuit of more midfield opportunities, while Houston will be able to relieve the Magpies' top line of ball winners.

Young sensation Nick Daicos will again be the focal point of Collingwood's plans in the middle of the ground, with his career trajectory to date a scary prospect for the opposition this year.

Match-winner Jordan De Goey will look to overcome any niggling issues and piece together a full season in black and white, with senior trio Jack Crisp, Tom Mitchell and Scott Pendlebury also set to share centre bounce duties.

Patrick Lipinski will look to break into that group early into the season, with young midfielders Ed Allan and Fin Macrae pressuring their senior teammates for midfield spots.

The fringe trio could be utilised on the wings but will have completion from premiership veteran Steele Sidebottom and Copeland Trophy winner Josh Daicos too.

Darcy Cameron will resume his role as the club's leading ruckman after a career best year which netted him an All-Australian squad nod, with Mason Cox supporting and young duo Oscar Steene and Iliro Smit waiting in the wings.