Collingwood's trio of recruits, Dan Houston, Harry Perryman and Tim Membrey, have wasted no time in getting stuck into proceedings at their new club.
Returning two weeks earlier than the mandated time, the trifecta of experienced talent joined the first-to-fourth-year players at the AIA Centre to get a jump on the pre-season.
Joining them was a host of 2023 premiership stars, including Darcy Moore, Steele Sidebottom and Mason Cox.
The American-Australian ruckman said he was immediately "impressed" with the eagerness of Houston, Perryman and Membrey, as well as what they'll bring to the Pies.
"We had our first big training session yesterday, and all three of them were there," Cox told SEN Breakfast.
"That's a good sign whenever you have players coming in that they're committed from day-dot to come out, learn everyone's names and dive into the culture of the club.
"Those guys are slotting in really well. It's exciting, they're really good talents.
"With Dan Houston, I had a few training sessions with him before (the official pre-season began), and he's a pretty handy player, I would say.
โIt's going to be nice to have him in the centre with ruck taps, and with his ability to get the ball forward, he's a really good player.
"Tim Membrey and Harry Perryman are also impressing me and a lot of the other people around the club."
Cox enters the pre-season with a full bill of health following an inconsistent year dealing with a serious knee injury and concussion, limiting him to 16 games.
Pundits have raised queries over Collingwood's flag chances due to the age demographic of their list, with 10 players reaching 30, and a further two will enter the twilight years during the 2025 campaign.
However, modern science has defied the preconceived notion of finishing a football career in the early 30s. Just ask Pies legend Scott Pendlebury, who, by all reports, is as fit as he's ever been, entering his 20th season at the top level.
"Every year, you're all-in; we've got that experience, and that really showed in 2023 when we won the whole thing," Cox added.
"Scott Pendlebury hasn't shied away from how fit he is, he's doing triathlons up in Queensland and is as fit as ever.
"I don't really see any of these players that people think that towards the back end of their career slowing down anytime soon. Some of them are in probably the best shape of their life."
The Pies were decimated by injury in 2024, losing key players to injury.
Collingwood fans will rejoice when noticing Tom Mitchell is already on the track after a tumultuous campaign, while Dan McStay will look to build on his end to the year.
Midfield-forward star Jordan De Goey was also hindered by injury in 2024, limiting him to 13 outings while key forward Brody Mihocek has a clean bill of health after overcoming a nasty pectoral tear.
