Collingwood is toying with the prospect of unleashing Jamie Elliott in the midfield as it searches for more pace around stoppages in 2020.
The 27-year-old small forward has been clocking significant minutes as a midfielder in recent match simulation sessions and presents as another on-ball option for Nathan Buckley.
With Jaidyn Stephenson (glandular fever) and Jordan De Goey confined to individual running on Friday, Elliott played in the midfield for large portions, providing a different dimension alongside other midfielders.
A role between forward and midfield for Elliott is set to be explored further in the Pies' Marsh Community Series matches against Richmond (March 1) and St Kilda (March 8).
Elliott last year re-committed to the Pies on a two-year deal until the end of 2021 in a show of faith, knocking back three-year offers from Brisbane and Melbourne.
After a trip to Germany to address hamstring woes ahead of last season, he played 16 matches predominantly as a forward.
The Pies also remain without Dayne Beams (personal leave), while Daniel Wells' retirement has also forced the Pies to reconsider added midfield depth.
De Goey was used in the midfield when fit in 2019 but could start permanently forward in 2020 as he builds fitness in the backend of pre-season.
Buckley's outfit lost clearances 35-54 in last year's preliminary final against a Greater Western Sydney side without Stephen Coniglio, Toby Greene and Lachie Whitfield.
Half-forward Will Hoskin-Elliott has also been used as a defender in match simulation through January in a similar role that he played throughout stages of 2019.
Levi Greenwood (ACL) and Tom Langdon (knee) won't play in the early parts of the season, opening the door for Hoskin-Elliott to be used in defence.
