6. Strengths and Weaknesses

Collingwood's strengths lay within their backline and midfield. For a fair chunk of the 2020 season, the 'Pies were the hardest team to score against, and with the return of star Jeremy Howe, who was in All-Australian form before his season ending knee injury, they will be well placed to continue building from a strong defence.

Their midfield is also a major strength, with plenty of depth and talent running through the engine room, led by star ruckman Brodie Grundy, captain Scott Pendlebury, 2020 best and fairest winner Taylor Adams and a returning Steele Sidebottom, who can all change a game at any given moment.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: Mason Cox of the Magpies celebrates a goal with Taylor Adams (right) and Jordan De Goey of the Magpies during the 2018 AFL round 12 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 11, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The biggest weakness for the Pies is going forward. Despite starting off 2020 in cracking form and scoring at will, Nathan Buckley's side really struggled from then on going forward and were unable to consistently put up a big score.

The club was unable to address their need for a match-winning key forward in the off-season and lost rising star Jaidyn Stephenson to North Melbourne in the process, so the forward line is still an area that needs a bit more consistency.