Local football star Sam Sofronidis is inching closer to realising his AFL dream after earning an invitation to train for a rookie spot with Collingwood.
According to reports from Josh Gabelich of AFL Media, the 23-year-old underwent a medical at the AIA Centre on Friday and will report for duty alongside the Magpies' best and brightest youngsters next week.
Sofronidis has been in the Pies' sights for some time now, with Collingwood's recruitment boss Derek Hine having watched on as the defender starred during Wesley Collegians VAFA Grand Final win over St Kevins earlier in the year.
Hine was not alone, with both Geelong and Fremantle having kept an interested eye on the club best and fairest winner's wares.
After failing to be drafted in 2018 after turning out for the Sandringham Dragons, Sofrinidis tested himself in the VFL, representing both the Sandringham Zebras and Frankston Dolphins during three seasons at the level.
The Pies have a recent history of bringing names to Pieland straight out of the ametuers, with schoolteacher Joe Richards earning a spot on Craig McRae's list last season after starring for the Wangaratta Magpies.
Sofrinidis will also be joined on Olympic Boulevard by former Saint Jack Bytel, recently cut Power ruckman Brynn Teakle and Pies' VFL skipper Campbell Hustwaite, with the quartet to battle it out ahead of next season.
The pre-season supplemental signing period is set to commence on Monday, with Collingwood's first-to-fourth year players set to start their pre-season training programs the very same week.