After trialling a handful of players over pre-season, three players have joined the Magpies via the Supplemental Selection Period. Former Don Joshua Eyre, Footscray midfielder Lachie Sullivan and former St Kilda onballer Jack Bytel have joined the club after a successful try-out with the reigning premiers.
Representing Collingwood as AFL players for the first time on Monday, the trio addressed their excitement about joining the reigning premiers and what they bring to the club.
Eyre suffered a torn hamstring tendon in the leadup to his SSP selection, however this did not impact his selection by the club.
Before his injury, the 21-year-old was seen as the leading candidate for a role at the club. Eyre said he hoped he would return in late April to early May.
Bytel thanked his family more than anything for their support throughout the selection period.
"For the people around, it meant just as much. My partner, mum and dad, and just to see the joy on their face was motivating, just an indescribable feeling," said Bytel.
The former Saint believes his versatility got him the role at the Pies, in comparison to his midfield role at his previous club.
Unsure of where exactly he'll play at the Pies, Bytel listed both a midfield or forward role as options in the black and white.
Former Footscray skipper Lachie Sullivan finally landed a role on an AFL list, having been "disappointed a lot of times" in the past.
"I was pretty flat after the draft last time, but I suppose you just keep going, get over the disappointment of not being picked up and keep driving towards your dream," said Sullivan.
Both Sullivan and Bytel trained with the main group on Monday, the former impressing the most among the new recruits.
During the Magpies' last session ahead of their first pre-season, winger Josh Daicos was back as part of the main group despite being kept out of the intraclub match last week due to a lower leg issue.
The one-time All-Australian played as more of an inside midfielder during the match simulation.
Both Nathan Murphy and Jamie Elliott were kept out of full contact training, opting for running down the boundary instead. Murphy, still recovering from a series of concussion issues, looked to have no serious troubles during the session.
Interestingly, Lachie Schultz trained with the backline group along with Elliott - hinting Craig McRae hasn't finalised a side and is willing to trial players everywhere.
The new-look Magpies will be playing the Kangaroos in their first pre-season game this Wednesday at the AIA Centre.
