Collingwood coach Craig McRae has confirmed his "first date" with out-of-contract Carlton defender Jack Silvagni as he weighs up his future beyond 2025.
It is understood that the Pies have put forward a four-year deal that has reportedly matched the Blues' offer, which has seemingly turned the head of Silvagni to the point he met with the 2023 premiership coach.
"Yeah, I did," McRae said on Wednesday.
"I'm confident in saying we'll keep exploring what the best version of us looks like, and when there's free agents available, we'll look at those things.
"Justin Leppitsch and Charlie Gardner will take care of those things, but I just met with the young man, and we worked out we had a first date to see if we liked each other.
"I could go on a second date with Jack."
As Collingwood looks to bolster its defensive stocks in the off-season, captain Darcy Moore was not sighted at training on Wednesday, flagging a "stiff and sore" back.
McRae dismissed any fears that Moore would miss the Saturday blockbuster against Brisbane at the MCG.
He also confirmed veteran Scott Pendlebury will return after being managed, while key defender Billy Frampton is expected to be available for selection after a medium-term lay off with a calf injury.
As a result, Dan McStay has been training with the backs in a bid to shore up the defensive line as a contingency plan.
McRae also alluded to the notion that Bobby Hill and Jordan De Goey could be brought in as substitutes for Saturday's clash.
Hill and De Goey both featured in the VFL against Frankston last week on limited minutes, and showed glimpses of their stardom in the reserves competition.
"He's moving around really well," McRae said of Hill.
"We're pleased he got through 70 per cent of the game, as planned in Frankston... he trained really well.
"I think, in the ideal world, Bobby will need a little bit more (VFL game time), but we'll weigh it up this week.
"He's excited to be back playing footy, and today he trained exceptionally well."
As for De Goey, the Pies are acting cautiously to ensure their matchwinner is cherry ripe for September.
There will also be a watch on injured midfielder Lachie Sullivan's contract, who was recently ruled out of the season with a PCL injury.
Sullivan has impressed in the two years at the AIA Centre after an arduous journey to the top flight.
The 27-year-old was signed as an SSP prospect, and has played 24 games to date, but is without a contract for 2026.
