Collingwood is set to explore several avenues to potentially find a replacement for retired premiership defender Nathan Murphy, with next month's Mid-Season Draft shaping as a window where the reigning premiers could bolster their backline.
The unfortunate and abrupt ending to Murphy's career will open up a list spot that the Magpies could use to fill a void in defence midway through the year while waiting for the off-season might be an option should they be patient enough.
Collingwood has found some positive in Billy Frampton's return to Craig McRae's side over the past month, while Charlie Dean and Joshua Eyre are also set to be in the selection mix going forward.
Murphy's forced exit is the latest unwanted defensive departure at Olympic Park, with the Magpies losing both Tom Langdon and Jordan Roughead in years gone by.
So how could Collingwood use the Mid-Season Draft, or upcoming trade and free agency periods, to aid their backline?
We explore several differing Mid-Season Draft prospects, as well as the names potentially up for grabs from other AFL clubs at the end of the season.
2. Cooper Trembath
The Eastern Ranges defender has returned to the Talent League as an over-age prospect - an avenue that has opened the door for recent Mid-Season Draft Pick 1 selections Jai Culley and Ryan Maric to impress as potential mid-year recruits.
Back with the Ranges for this season, Trembath has improved on his draft campaign since being overlooked to emerge as a promising key defensive option, with his marking ability and long kicking among the teenager's leading attributes.
The 193cm talent is averaging 18.0 disposals, 6.5 marks and 5.0 rebound 50s per game across his two matches, while he has also linked up with North Melbourne's VFL squad for the year ahead.
Having been among the handful of 2023 prospects deemed unlucky not to secure a spot on an AFL list last November, Trembath could be a name on Collingwood's radar come next month's intake.
