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.
3. Ben Hopkins
Like Trembath, Hopkins is perhaps less of a quick-fix option and more of a recruit that would bolster Collingwood's backline depth for the long term.
While Hopkins is a lighter frame and more of an attacking option among the available backmen, the Dandenong Stingrays talent is growing as an aerial threat who can prove to be an astute two-way option.
Hopkins averaged close to 20 disposals in his draft campaign, and from three matches this year is posting a mean of 26 touches, 5.0 marks and 6.3 rebounds 50s for the Stingrays to earn a spot in the Young Guns squad alongside Trembath.
An impressive stint across two appearances for the Young Guns could be enough for AFL clubs to come calling at the Mid-Season Draft, with the Magpies potentially among those with interest.
