JAMIE Elliott, Matthew Scharenberg and Jackson Ramsay are back in full training at Collingwood, with the trio looking to put disappointing 2016 seasons behind them.
Star midfield recruit Daniel Wells appeared on the track briefly on Thursday morning, completing some stationary ball work and a slow walking lap in runners, before retreating to the change rooms.
The Magpies confirmed earlier this week that Wells had suffered a setback with a calf injury.
After a frustrating year dealing with an ongoing back complaint, Elliott, 24, appeared to have zip back in his step and he was able to get to top pace on a number of occasions during the two-and-a-half hour session.
Scharenberg, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee last November, has been steadily building up his rehab and moved without limitation on Thursday.
The 21-year-old's decision-making and clean skills were apparent in the wet conditions at the Olympic Park Oval.
Ramsay, 22, who managed two games in 2016 before tearing his ACL in round two, read the ball well in flight and brought energy to training.
Having all three players available at this time of the season is a positive sign for the Magpies, as the club turns its attention to a crucial build-up to the 2017 season.
Battling a debilitating injury known as pars defect, Elliott had surgery on his troublesome back in May and failed to play a match last season.
Elliott, who led the Magpies' goalkicking in 2015 with 35, was desperately missed in attack last year as Collingwood ranked 11th in the AFL total points.
The Magpies are hopeful Scharenberg, pick No.6 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, can return to his best, following two knee reconstructions, and add polish to an inexperienced back six.
Joining Wells in the rehab group were ex-Giant Will Hoskin-Elliott and Brayden Sier, the club's first pick from the 2015 draft.
Star defender Ben Reid was one of a number of players on light duties for Thursday's session, along with James Aish, Adam Oxley, Tom Langdon, Ben Crocker, Tim Broomhead and top draftee Sam McLarty.
Matthew Scharenberg (left) and Chris Mayne running laps. Picture: AFL Photos
Young star forward Darcy Moore was a notable absentee from training, as was Jordan De Goey although the latter turned up to training at the end of the session and stood by the side of the oval.
The Magpies have introduced a few new initiatives at training, with an electronic scoreboard, near the players' race, keeping track of the length of each drill, allowing for a smoother transition.
It was clear the introduction of the scoreboard made the drills run more efficiently and, making training more precise, was a key learning out of the 2016 review.
After an extensive warm up, the players transitioned through five specific drills – with a clear focus on forward line entries and three-quarter ground team defence.
Speakers, set around the oval, also blared a selected playlist throughout the high-tempo session.
