Matthew Scharenberg never seriously considered a move home to Adelaide before signing a new three-year deal with Collingwood last month.

There had been speculation that the South Australian was exploring the possibility of returning to his home state, but the defender told AFL Medua that he did not contemplate leaving the Magpies.

"I never seriously considered leaving," Scharenberg said.

"I always wanted to put it (contract talks) off until the end of the season and play some senior footy and get those games under my belt. 

"I sat down and got it all done and it's been good to move on with it now.

"There was never any discussion with Adelaide and it was always about playing good footy at Collingwood and making sure I ticked a few boxes there." 

The 20-year-old displayed his talent in four senior games for the Pies this season after two serious injuries impeding his ability to get out on the field in his first two seasons at the club. 

Scharenberg, pick No. 6 in the 2013 National Draft, made his debut against Melbourne in round 18 after recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in August last year.

He also had surgery to remove the sesamoid bones in both of his feet at the start of 2014, his first year at the Magpies.

Scharenberg was renowned for his work ethic and his positive attitude in his time in rehab and the youngster is seeking to capitalise on his first injury-free pre-season heading into 2016.

"It's about understanding the benefits a full pre-season can potentially have and making the most of that," Scharenberg said.

"I'll be coming back in good shape and making the most of an injury-free pre-season."

Scharenberg said it was disappointing to lose teammate and fellow top-10 draft pick Nathan Freeman, who has requested a trade to St Kilda. 

But the highly rated defender was confident his club had the midfield options to cover the exit of the powerfully built on-baller, particularly with GWS young gun Adam Treloar likely to land at the Magpies in this year's trade period.

"One of the things we showed last year is the depth we've got through the midfield," he said.

"If that (Treloar traded to the Magpies) eventuates he'll definitely add another element to our midfield group."