Collingwood enters its flag defence campaign next year with most of the same firepower as it did this year, posing a daunting challenge to the rest of the competition.

The Pies were dominant all the way through in 2023, blitzing their opponents by way of devastating ball movement and suffocating defensive pressure.

After triumphing over Brisbane on the last Saturday of September, the Magpies cast away a pair of fan favourites during the trade period โ€“ goalsneak Jack Ginnivan and hard-nosed ball-winner Taylor Adams.ย 

However, the argument can be made that Collingwood still managed to upgrade the squad that emerged victorious on September 30 against the Lions.

We assessed Collingwood's star-studded list and offered our projected best 23 for the Pies heading into next year.

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1. Defenders

Defensive general and skipper Darcy Moore, arguably the league's best stopper, continues to lead the Magpies from behind the ball, alongside impressive fellow key-position backman Nathan Murphy.

The always-assertive Brayden Maynard offers tremendous support deep in defence, side-by-side with one-on-one marvel Isaac Quaynor.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Darcy Moore of the Magpies celebrates winning with Brayden Maynard of the Magpies during the 2023 AFL Grand Final match between Collingwood Magpies and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 30, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Then there are the likes of Oleg Markov, Jack Crisp, and John Noble, who all boast the capability to rebound dangerously and kickstart offensive chains.

The Magpies drafted Harry DeMattia and Tew Jiath โ€“ a pair of additional pacy rebounders โ€“ at this year's National Draft, as the Pies seek to create more headaches for the opposition.

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