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.
3. Forwards
Despite missing September's Grand Final triumph, Daniel McStay will head Collingwood's key-position forward attack in '23, joined by the dependable mid-sized Brody Mihocek.
Continuing to aid that duo is the sharpshooting Jamie Elliott, Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill, pressure-cooker Beau McCreery, and newly-attained livewire Lachie Schultz.
The Magpies offloaded Jack Ginnivan to Hawthorn during the trade period and upgraded in the form of the ex-Docker, who adds invaluable offensive and defensive elements to McRae and Co.
Meanwhile, the athletic Ash Johnson is likely to remain on the fringe of Collingwood's forward unit until he can cement some consistency.
Next year presents important campaigns for the likes of Reef RcInnes and Josh Carmichael, who haven't been able to substantiate their infrequent appearances at the senior level.
