Collingwood trade targets.
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
St Kilda unrestricted free agent Josh Battle is set to receive a massive pay packet in his next deal as rivals look to pry him out of Moorabbin.
In a market where there isn't a heap of high-level key defenders, the bargaining price goes up tenfold due to their significance. And Battle is no different.
The Pies are currently in the hunt for the 25-year-old's signature but will have to contend with Hawthorn and the Saints, while North Melbourne has been lingering.
Battle has taken his game to new heights in 2024, averaging 17.6 disposals and 7.9 marks as a key defensive pillar under Ross Lyon.
Collingwood does have the added benefit of presenting the Haileybury product with blockbuster fixturing, huge MCG crowds and expected finals appearances, something he has been starved of (two appearances) at St Kilda.
Battle will slot seamlessly into Murphy's old role while also providing cover for Howe when he decides to hang up the boots.
West Coast premiership defender Tom Barrass' name consistently finds its way around the trade rumour cycle year in and year out, and this season is no different.
Despite enjoying his time at the Eagles and hailing from Western Australia, rival clubs believe they're in with a sniff to lure him to a premiership contender.
Well, Collingwood definitely thinks so.
Like Battle, the Pies are in desperate need to bolster the tall defensive stocks and Barrass fits the bill perfectly.
The question is, is he gettable?
Melbourne's depth defender Adam Tomlinson is arguably the most gettable on this list for the Pies who fits the mould of a player they need.
Tomlinson has played 40 games in five seasons since joining the Demons and can't get a consistent look in, falling behind the likes of Steven May, Jake Lever, Harrison Petty, Tom McDonald and Blake Howes.
The former Giant has come to the end of his five-year deal and will be speculated on where his future lies for 2025.
Tomlinson, 30, still has plenty of good years ahead of him and could be a significant commodity to the right dealer.
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.
An out-of-contract Crow who sought a move to GWS to join older brother Harry last year before it was swiftly denied by the club, holding Himmelberg to his contract.
Now the tables have turned and the Pies could well and truly be in the mix.
Himmelberg has proven to play across all lines of the ground, something that Collingwood could work with.
Similar to the Billy Frampton acquisition, the 25-year-old could assist in the ruck, whilst also pinch-hitting down forward.
Himmelberg would be a direct replacement for Mason Cox, who still has one more year left on his deal but could seek retirement at the then-age of 34.