Collingwood assistant coach Hayden Skipworth has taken the reigns over the pre-season program in a strong show of faith from senior mentor Craig McRae.

McRae hasn't shied away from relinquishing control since he took over the Pies ahead of the 2022 campaign, entrusting his coaching group with more responsibility throughout parts of the year.

And now it's Skipworth's turn, who missed out on the senior West Coast coaching role to former Richmond and Melbourne assistant Andrew McQualter.

Skipworth deemed the process as a "win-win", regardless of whether he was successful in the role or if he returned to the AIA Centre.

The South Australian headed to America to continue his coaching development, heading up sports organisationsย such as New York Yankees, Brooklyn Nets & New York Liberty.

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"Fly's been awesome for my development," Skipworth said.

"He's taken a bit of a step back and giving some space to myself to run the program, which is great.

"We've got a great coaching team that sort of runs themselves, and Fly will still be overseeing that.

"But it will give me some more hands-on responsibility."

Skipworth is currently overseeing first-to-fourth-year players, who returned to the club on November 11, whilst the older cohort received an "open invitation".

One name that has stood out early in the warmer months is young midfielder Ed Allan, who's played two AFL games, including the last round of the 2024 season.

Allan showcased his toughness and ball-winning ability against Melbourne, gathering 21 disposals, six tackles and three clearances.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 17: Edward Allan of the Magpies in action during the Collingwood Magpies Intra-Club match at Olympic Park Oval on February 17, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

And Skipworth believes the taste of AFL football has driven the 20-year-old's off-season.

"He's an exciting prospect," Skipworth said of Allan.

"He's a real athletic beast. He was always going to take some time, but we've been really mindful to build him up slowly.

"Back end of last year, his form in the VFL was unbelievable, and the last game of the year, I thought he was outstanding.

"He's carried that into the pre-season and off-season, and we're looking for him to come on even more. We need that growth from underneath."

The Pies youngsters were put through their paces, undergoing a 2km time trial.

Allan finished second to Collingwood speedster Jakob Ryan, whilst 2024 supplemental selections Ned Long and Lachie Sullivan finished close by.

Skipworth also noted the eagerness a group of older players were showing following a disappointing finals-less season.

Trifecta of recruits Dan Houston, Harry Perryman and Tim Membrey led an experienced gang that returned to the club two weeks earlier than the mandated time (November 25).

On the injury front, key forward Brody Mihocek appears to be back to full health following a nasty tear in his pectoral muscle late in the season while Skipworth isn't putting "any restrictions" on Harvey Harrison returning from an ACL injury he sustained in August.