Despite designs to back-to-back for the first time in 88 years, Collingwood is set to add splashes of youth throughout the midfield to rejuvenate along the road to September.
Now sitting equal atop the league's premiership table with 17 trophies in the cabinet, the Pies have not won successive flags since Jock McHale's men saluted in 1936.
But while Craig McRae's men have earned the tag of the hunted in 2024, the oldest list in the AFL will seek to get younger to get stronger, with Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell telling 7 News that the black and white blueprint had been altered over the summer.
"We can't stay stagnant, that's one thing we're very aware of," Mitchell said.
"If we keep rolling out the same things, teams will catch on to what you're doing. Every team is always evolving, and we're now different."
With former vice-captain Taylor Adams making tracks back to the Harbour City during the trade period, at least one slot inside the engine room remains open, with Mitchell claiming a trio of youngsters had already put their best foot forward to fill the void.
"There's some younger guys coming through - Fin Macrae, Josh Carmichael, Ed Allan, these types of players," Mitchell added.
"Hopefully they get their opportunity to take their careers to the next level."
Entering 2024, Macrae, Carmichael and Allan have combined to make 20 senior appearances, with the latter, the son of former Hawk and Docker Ben Allan, yet to be blooded at AFL level.
Each member of the youthful trifecta is sure to earn plenty of opportunity to continue staking their claim for a place in McRae's best 23 when Collingwood does battle with North Melbourne and Richmond during pre-season fixtures in late February.
The Magpies' first premiership defence since 2011 will commence in earnest when they travel to face GWS at the Showgrounds on Saturday, March 9.
