MISSING Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott joined in a short skills session on Monday at training as he continues to recover from a back injury that sidelined him for 2016.

The 24-year-old's presence among a bunch of emerging Magpies on the first official day of pre-season was a reminder of the length of Collingwood's injury list at the end of the past season.

Elliott had surgery on his back last year and Magpies coach Nathan Buckley said in August he hoped the dynamic forward would join full training in the new year.  

Alongside Elliott, who has kicked 104 goals in 72 games, was key forward Darcy Moore, who missed the final two games with a shoulder injury.

Moore showed his promise late last year with a three-goal haul against West Coast.

Also on the track were Jackson Ramsey and Matt Scharenberg, who are both expected to return early in the season after knee reconstructions, and Taylor Adams, who finished sixth in the best and fairest despite playing 14 games.

Tom Langdon was also on the track early, having missed from round six onwards last season.

Best and fairest winner and skipper Scott Pendlebury joined in training as did ruckman Brodie Grundy, who stamped his name on the number one ruck position in 2016, and talented youngster James Aish, who showed good signs in the second half of the season.

The Magpies brought in experience in Daniel Wells and Chris Mayne during the trade period as well as exciting Greater Western Sydney forward Will Hoskin-Elliott, however they face a tough season with Buckley declaring his job in jeopardy if the club does not make the final eight this season.

The Magpies have not played finals since 2012.