Collingwood coach Craig McRae has revealed he would meet with Carlton free agent Jack Silvagni if required, as the Magpies look to improve their list this off-season.

McRae's list strategy has been made clear, with the premiership coach keen on adding experienced talent instead of utilising the draft mechanisms.

Silvagni, who has stunningly been linked to the Magpies, is eligible for free agency this year under the unrestricted band, meaning he could walk to Collingwood and cost the club nothing outside of his salary.

Speaking to the media on Friday, McRae said the club is always looking to "explore" ways to improve their list through any means possible.

"We're constantly, and I've said many times, open to looking at free agents. Unrestricted free agents are something we want to explore," McRae said.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Jack Silvagni of the Blues kicks a goal during the round 18 AFL match between Carlton Blues and Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium, on July 15, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Jack Silvagni of the Blues kicks a goal during the round 18 AFL match between Carlton Blues and Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium, on July 15, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

"Whether it's Jack or someone else, we'll step into that. We don't want to stand still, we want to be better than what we are next year.

"We'll look to avenues to bring players in that we think can do that.

"I'm heavily involved in those situations, making sure you set the right platform and environment for players and making them feel like they can be the best version of themselves."

Asked if he would meet with Silvagni himself, McRae said it is a step he would be open to.

"I would meet with Jack, yeah. If that was something that was important to us," McRae said.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 09: Craig McRae, Senior Coach of the Magpies addresses his players during the 2025 AFL Opening Round match between the GWS Giants and the Collingwood Magpies at ENGIE Stadium on March 9, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 09: Craig McRae, Senior Coach of the Magpies addresses his players during the 2025 AFL Opening Round match between the GWS Giants and the Collingwood Magpies at ENGIE Stadium on March 9, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Silvagni remains off-contract at Carlton amid a career-best season at Princes Park, with the son-of-a-gun having returned to the backline and enjoying a strong campaign alongside Jacob Weitering.

The potential departure of Silvagni would hurt the Blues, not only given his strong family ties to the club, but also his stature as a strong intercepting option in a defence that has previously lacked support for Weitering.

It would only compound Carlton's frustrations further if Silvagni, of arguably the Blues' most famous family, were to venture to their arch-rivals in Collingwood.