SNAPSHOT
Coach: Mick Malthouse
Captain: Nick Maxwell
Finished 2009: fourth (16 wins, nine losses)
Best and fairest: Dane Swan
Leading goalkicker: John Anthony (50 goals)
Leading possession winner: Dane Swan (769)

NEW PERSONNEL
On-field: Darren Jolly (traded from Sydney Swans), Luke Ball, Ben Sinclair, Josh Thomas, Simon Buckley (NAB AFL Draft), Jack Carter, Tom Hunter, Shae McNamara (NAB AFL Rookie Draft)
Off-field: Nathan Buckley (forward line coach), Scott Watters (backline coach), Max Hudghton (backline, part-time)

BEST 22
B: Tyson Goldsack, Simon Prestigiacomo, Heath Shaw
HB: Harry O'Brien, Nick Maxwell, Alan Toovey
C: Dale Thomas,Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom
HF: Leon Davis, Travis Cloke, Alan Didak
F: Paul Medhurst, John Anthony, Brad Dick
Foll: Darren Jolly, Dane Swan, Luke Ball
I/C: Josh Fraser, Dayne Beams, Tarkyn Lockyer, Leigh Brown

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER
Remember that Travis Cloke is still young, so his up-and-down 2009 could be forgiven. Having just turned 23 and now grown into his man’s body, the Pies will come to rely on their centre half-forward week in, week out. While he will get support this year from a resting ruckman, the Collingwood forward line is built around Cloke - the Pies’ only true big man in attack - and they will need him to fire if they’re to go at least as well as last season.

UP AND COMER
Look for Steele Sidebottom to play more of a role in the Pies’ midfield this season. Like 2008 draftee Dayne Beams the young gun has had a big summer and, with a big engine and smooth skills on either side of his body, Mick Malthouse will step up his game time in 2010.

NEEDS A BIG YEAR
Finding a permanent role for Dale Thomas isn’t easy for the Collingwood coaching staff, but perhaps that is the beauty in the Pies’ pin-up boy - his versatility. Last season saw less of the freakish goals and high marking but more of the solid, 20-possession games. But if the former No.2 draft pick could go to a new level it would also help his side reach new heights.

CHANGING TACK
Onlookers at pre-season training might have noticed the Pies moving the ball a little more quickly but don’t expect Mick Malthouse to tinker too much with what he knows best. However one suspects he has a little more arsenal at his disposal this year. Darren Jolly and Luke Ball’s arrival will have the coach feeling he is better equipped than past seasons. Jolly’s arrival will make Josh Fraser and Cameron Wood’s 2010 a subject of interest - especially if the coach opts to use both of them alongside the former Sydney Swan.

Alan Didak, who will again play forward and through the midfield, was also trialled off half-back in a recent pre-season match. Is it a sign of things to come? Consider too that new assistant and senior coach-in-waiting Nathan Buckley was in charge of that NAB Challenge match. All eyes will be on the Buckley-Malthouse relationship to see if any friction is caused by the Pies' succession plan.

INJURY LIST
Cameron Wood (finger) - 6 weeks
Josh Thomas (calf) - 6-7 weeks
Brad Dick (shoulder) - 10-12 weeks

WHAT THE CLUB SAYS
"Every single club out there doesn't do four or five or six months of pre-season not to come out and win a premiership; I mean everyone does it. Secretly, I think everyone is obviously out there to win a premiership and I don't think we're any different this year to last year." - VFL coach Gavin Brown

CRYSTAL BALL
Collingwood will again be aiming for a top-four finish, but there's no disputing a draw the coach himself described as "daunting" will makes things tougher. The first month of the year will tell a tale as to how the Pies are progressing. The last seven matches - while all at the MCG - look to be against quality opposition and will decide if the Pies play finals football and, if they do, whether they gain a double chance.

SEASON OPENER
March 29 v Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.