The reigning premier was among the last clubs to begin its 2011 pre-season campaign, but utility Leigh Brown says that will not stop the Pies fielding their best team.
"Everyone's up for selection, I think there will be a couple of [fitness] tests maybe but that's it, so we'll be full strength or close to it," Brown said from AFL House on Tuesday.
"There will be no holding back. We'll send our best team out. We're looking forward to playing and playing against some good opposition."
Nathan Buckley will coach the side as part of senior coach Mick Malthouse's rotation policy during the pre-season series, but Brown said he had not noticed any difference in the Pies' preparation.
While most premiership players will take part, Brown said the extended squads allowed in the NAB Cup would also give the club's new recruits, including Chris Tarrant and Andrew Krakouer, an opportunity to develop some chemistry with their new teammates.
"There will be a lot of getting used to playing with one another, getting used to our structures and game plans that we've tinkered with," he said.
"[But] we're out there to win and we'll give everyone an opportunity to be up and running by round one.
"You want to win every game you play in."
Krakouer's form during recent intra-club practice matches, which included a four-goal return in his last outing, has attracted plenty of attention, but Brown did his best to hose down expectations of the former Richmond speedster.
"We expect Andrew Krakouer to play his role," he said.
"That's what we expect from every player.
"He doesn't have to go out there and get best-on-ground or kick two or three goals; if he plays his role that we set him that week then he's achieved what we need him to achieve.
"It's the same with the best player on the list all the way down to a rookie. If you come into our team you know the expectations. You need to perform to those and play your role."
