Collingwood will consider handing ruckman Oscar Steene an AFL debut when it takes on St Kilda in Opening Round on Sunday.
The introduction of the new ruck rules and extended five-player bench has clubs contemplating how they use their tall stocks.
Rivals would've been frightened with Geelong's Shannon Neale came from the ground last week after contesting a centre-ball up. His knee collided with Carlton's Marc Pittonet.
The Pies farewelled Mason Cox and have relied heavily on Darcy Cameron to shoulder the load, but coach Craig McRae could utilise Steene to combat the competition's newest duo in Tom De Koning and Rowan Marshall.
Against North Melbourne, the 22-year-old worked in tandem with Cameron to tackle Tristan Xerri and Callum Coleman-Jones.
Steene played 48 per cent game time, recording seven disposals, eight hit-outs, two marks and a goal. Cameron played 73 per cent.
The week prior, the untried ruck went head-to-head with GWS duo Kieren Briggs and Nick Madden, and more than held his own as the main man. Steene had nine touches and 19 hit-outs.
"He's had a great pre-season," Cameron said of Steene.
"It's really exciting for him to have this opportunity over the past two weeks and go out and perform the way he has.
"He's got a lot of promise throughout (Sunday's) game and last week's game.
"Jumping up really hard at centre bounce, his follow up efforts have been really good. I've been pleased what Steene has been doing."
McRae will be reluctant to use Dan McStay as the back-up ruck given his injury history while recruit Jack Buller may be a consideration, although is required inside 50.
Collingwood's forward mix will rely heavily on Buller following Brody Mihocek's departure, as the development of Charlie West could also push the club's fortunes towards another finals series.
McStay, Buller and West combined for seven goals against the Kangaroos in the absence of Tim Membrey.
Heading into Sunday's season opener, a watch will be on how they set up defensively, with premiership duo Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe unlikely to take on the Saints.
Joel Cochran could slot straight into the Howe role, earning himself a debut after spending his maiden season in the VFL.
Reef McInnes is working his way back from an ACL injury 12 months ago, and isn't expected to be available this week.
Collingwood will welcome back a host of their stars that sat out the final practice match of the pre-season.
Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Jack Crisp and Jamie Elliott were all emergencies, while Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey weren't named.
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