Emerging Collingwood defender Joel Cochran poses as an Opening Round debut after shining throughout the pre-season, including Monday's session.
The Pies take on St Kilda at the MCG on Sunday, March 8 to kick off their 2026 season.
Cochran has bulked up in his second summer at the Pies, putting on notable size whilst maintaining his burst and endurance strengths.
The 195cm frame can be tasked with curtailing small and tall forwards, and is a like-for-like replacement for Jeremy Howe once the high-flyer hangs up the boots.
Cochran, who is a Sydney Swans academy graduate, has been defensive depth for Craig McRae, but his output throughout the pre-season would indicate he's ready to join fellow 2024 draftees Charlie West and Will Hayes in donning the black and white.
Collingwood is still looking for their best defensive mix, with Darcy Moore, Billy Frampton, Brayden Maynard, and Howe having previously locked in tall backline roles.
Forward recruit Jack Buller's confidence continues to surge, showcasing his craft in crashing packs and follow-up skills that turned his new teammates inside out.
Buller was brought in to help fill the void left by premiership duo Mason Cox and Brody Mihocek, who found new homes.
At Olympic Park, all Pies were on deck, including the rehab group, consisting of Moore, Howe, Isaac Quaynor, Dan McStay and Beau McCreery.
New ruck coach, Greg Stafford, has notably been taking the Pies' ruck contingent to the side, working closely with Darcy Cameron, Oscar Steene and Iliro Smit.
