AFL superstar Nick Daicos has shrugged off any concerns of soreness with an incredible display during Collingwood's match simulation on Friday morning.
The Pies took part in two 15-minute periods and a five-minute scenario-based period to cap off a taxing three-hour session.
The 23-year-old proved to the approximately 200 in attendance that he is primed for another enormous year, winning the first three clearances of the day, including two trademark bursts through the centre stoppage to send his side forward.
His kicking was at its incisive best, finding targets at ease and he showed no signs of discomfort throughout the session.
Jordan De Goey, Ned Long, Jack Crisp and Tyan Prindable were the other staples in the midfield across the two teams, while Jamie Elliott had bursts in the middle and Josh Daicos got unleashed on the ball in the second period after providing run off halfback to start proceedings.
Despite being clearly the youngest member of the engine room, first year player Prindable had impressive moments, with his ability to gather cleanly and distribute by hand and foot catching the eye.
Scott Pendlebury was played in defence, while Dan Houston's took some kick-ins ahead of a second season in the black and white where he will be keen to rediscover his best form.
The strong presence of tall forward duo Jack Buller and Noah Howes would have been particularly pleasing for the Magpies footy department, which will need to fill the void left by the departed Brody Mihocek.
Having been recruited from Sydney on a cheap-as-chips price, Buller showed promise as a brave, pack-crashing pillar, strengthening his case to be the club's go-to tall forward.
196cm 2025 Mid-Season pickup Howes took some strong clunks, while Charlie West was another who looked potent.
Reigning Copeland Trophy winner Darcy Cameron took some typically strong intercept marks, while Billy Frampton was part of the rucks group during the earlier drills.
The 29-year-old was impenetrable in defence, but could be a relieving ruck option for the Magpies, having previously filled that role.
Dan McStay was another to step up for Collingwood, but is currently part of the rehabilitation group which also includes Beau McCreery, Isaac Quaynor, Angus Anderson, Jeremy Howe, Lachie Sullivan and Darcy Moore, the latter of whom was unsighted.
Pat Lipinkski was another that had some magical moments, Tew Jiath and Joel Cochran looked notably bigger, while first-year pair Zac McCarthy and Jai Saxena looked to have their loads managed.
VFL players Oscar Faulkhead, Ben De Belfo, Josh Browne, Harry Mahoney, Jack Mahoney and Ed Perryman were all on the track.
