Former Magpie Ben Crocker will return to the nest after a four-year absence, linking up with Collingwood's VFL side for the 2024 season.

Crocker began life with the Pies after being selected with the 65th pick of the 2015 AFL Draft.

However, after 26 games and 21 goals in black and white bars, the Oakleigh Chargers product was delisted at the end of 2019 before eventually catching on with the Adelaide Crows for the COVID-condensed 2020 season.

Crocker, a hybrid midfield-forward option, would wear the tri-colours on seven occasions during his sole season with Adelaide, slotting a further four goals before being delisted at the completion of the year.

Since 2021, the 26-year-old has been plying his trade for Carlton's VFL team, booting 84 goals in his 45 appearances in a Navy Blue guernsey.

The Pies piqued interest on Thursday morning by posting a picture of Crocker's distinctly inked right bicep to X (formerly Twitter).