Collingwood is understood to be willing to re-sign six out-of-contract veterans for 2026.

The Pies have 19 players coming out of contract at season's end, but given the form of their more experienced heads, are likely to recommit.

Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Brody Mihocek, Jamie Elliott, Jeremy Howe and Will Hoskin-Elliott are tipped to extend their careers for another 12 months.

"There's eight out-of-contract veterans," 9 News' Tom Morris said on Footy Furnace.

"My understanding is that six of them have been told 'we want you here next year' pending that we're protected from a contractual perspective.

"What they don't want is an ACL in Round 22, and to be on the hook to play in 2026.

"They're happy for Sidebottom, Pendlebury, Mihocek, Howe, Hoskin-Elliott and Elliott to play on, assuming that they get this contractual nuance right.

"The other two (Mason Cox and Tom Mitchell) will have to wait.

"That's where Collingwood is at, at the moment. All six have said to Collingwood that they want to play on next year, even if they win the flag. And the Pies are happy for them to do so again.

"So, barring any unforeseen big injury, they'll go again next year."

Key defender Billy Frampton is also coming out of contract, but is expected to be locked away.

Fringe players Charlie Dean, Finlay Macrae and Ash Johnson are also without deals beyond this season, as is Iliro Smit, Lachie Sullivan, Oleg Markov, Oscar Steene and Wil Parker.