With the Australian Open rolling into its third day just down the road and Melbourne (and its new recruit Chris Dawes) putting in the hard yards on the adjacent field, there was an unusual buzz in the air that is usually reserved for late September instead of mid-January.
The injured Dale Thomas (ankle) made an appearance sans his protective moonboot and is hoped to be three weeks away from re-joining the main group, according to coach Nathan Buckley.
Watch the wrap-up from Wednesday's training session on CTV in the video above or by clicking here.
Several of the club’s new rookies including Jack Frost and Kyle Martin appear to be settling in well, getting their hands dirty in the competitive training drills.
Another player who looks to be in good shape is Marty Clarke, who will be looking to take his game to the next level this season after returning from a two-year hiatus in 2012.
In his post-training press conference, Buckley highlighted the dedication shown by former Carlton defender Jordan Russell who has impressed all at the Westpac Centre with his attitude and diligence in his preparation.
Buckley also praised the “mongrel” that veteran ruckman Ben Hudson has brought to the playing group and spoke highly of Darren Jolly and Dane Swan’s pre-seasons.
With less than a month remaining until the team’s opening NAB Cup meeting with Essendon and the Western Bulldogs, Buckley said that he will seek to test his side’s depth during the competition.
That depth is unlikely to include Luke Ball at this stage, according to the coach, with the premiership midfielder set to remain on ice for a little while longer.
Collingwoodfc.com.au has published a photo gallery from this morning’s session, including images taken by photographer Steve Hamilton and the club’s Digital Media Producer Devlin Moseley.
Who doesn't love footy training?
Jordan Russell gets set for another session.
Now in his fifth year, the Copeland Trophy winner knows his game back to front.
Jarryd Blair laces up.
Alex Fasolo waits for his teammates to arrive.
Daisy plays a bit of basketball before the warm up.
Travis Cloke and Corey Gault know what they're doing but Lachlan Keeffe doesn't look so confident.
A contemplative Kyle Martin.
They came from far and wide to watch the black and white.
Lorraine, as fanatical a Collingwood supporter as you'll ever meet, made the effort to see the players despite nursing a recently broken ankle. Best wishes for a smooth recovery, Lorraine!
Port Melbourne premiership player and current Collingwood rookie Sam Dwyer gets acquainted with the long walk to Gosch's Paddock.
Ben Richmond takes it all in.
The ex-St Kilda stars stick together.
Marty Clarke and Alan Didak lock horns.
Kyle Martin works his way through heavy traffic.
NSW-ACT Scholarship prospect Elijah Edwards pumps out some quick-fire handballs.
Left-footed duo Ben Reid and Clinton Young get some run into their legs.
Josh Thomas closes in on Luke Ball.
Not even Quinten Lynch can match Jarrod Witts for height.
Heath Shaw and Harry O'Brien go one-on-one.
Ever seen a ruckman catch a rover?
A typically graceful Scott Pendlebury glides through the air.
There's no doubting the dedication of the Magpie Army, with supporters turning out in large numbers to watch their mighty Pies in action.
