After a slow start to their premiership defence, Collingwood is well within the hunt as the club attempts to go back-to-back for the first time since 1936.
In recent off-seasons the Pies have been active as they look to create the perfect mix under coach Craig McRae, with the 2024 period looking no different.
Collingwood is in the mix to bolster their key defensive posts to assist captain Darcy Moore as the premature retirement of Nathan Murphy, and with father time slowly catch up to Jeremy Howe, opening vacancies down back.
McRae and his list management staff could also look to add an experienced ruckman to help Darcy Cameron in the role given Mason Cox doesn't pose as the long-term solution.
Considering that most of the game's high-quality big men are locked away at their respective clubs, the Pies would either need to offer a godfather deal to pry them out or settle for a project player.
Either or, we've named five potential targets for Collingwood as we look to 2025 and beyond.
OTHER TRADE TARGETS: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON
4. Bailey Smith
It's seen as almost a certainty that Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith won't be at the club beyond this year.
Unfortunately on the eve of the season, Smith tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prior to the last year under his current contract, with the now firm belief that Hawthorn, Geelong and the Pies are the likely landing spots.
Collingwood's acquisition of the social media sensation would result in another future first-round pick (at least) being moved on given their 2024 one was used on Lachie Schultz.
Smith would be riper for the age demographic at Collingwood, adding speed and class as the club continues to push for more premiership success.
Good mates with the Daicos boys, a venture to the AIA Centre doesn't seem too farfetched, although the only thing standing in the way is what deal the Pies can afford to offer.
