What's in their favour? Just a goal shy of a grand final appearance in 2007, there's not much ground the Magpies need to make up. Mick Malthouse's team gives as consistent an effort as any team in the competition and, in the likes of Travis Cloke, Scott Pendlebury, Dale Thomas, Tyson Goldsack and Marty Clarke, has as good a raft of talented youngsters as any rival - and all have scope for plenty of improvement. The ruck remains problematic for the Pies, but the pick-up of talented Cameron Wood from Brisbane could fill the breach.
What's not? Injuries limited their contribution last season, Nathan Buckley and James Clement were magnificent on-field generals and role models for the Magpies. as was Paul Licuria, and their retirements leave a considerable void. Veterans Scott Burns and Shane Wakelin remain critical parts of the Magpie machine, but, at 33, will their bodies continue to stand up to the rigours of a long season? The Collingwood kids can also be expected to come under much closer scrutiny from opponents.
Stepping into the spotlight? Cloke and Pendlebury quinellaed the best and fairest last year in a superb testament to the power of the Pies' youth, but they could be joined among the elite by the likes of tall and athletic defender Goldsack and the incredibly quick-learning Clarke. Two young key forwards could also make a big impression quickly, Sean Rusling looking very capable after having thrown off shoulder problems and Ben Reid also having the potential to help give the Pie forward line a very formidable look.
In their wildest dreams? Hardly wild to aspire to a premiership when your most recent outing saw you within a goal of playing off for one. While, like everyone else, Collingwood would want to keep its list fit and healthy, last year's outstanding effort came despite a shocking run in the medical room early on. A first flag for 18 years is a genuine possibility for the Pies.
The reality? The Magpies are one of up to five teams with realistic aspirations of knocking Geelong from its lofty perch. Like the others, they'll need maximum output from their guns, improvement still from some kids, and one or two others to come from nowhere, but there's not a lot standing between the Pies and their nirvana.
ROBERT WALLS 6th The Pies impressed with their grit and resolve in 2007, where ultimately they proved to be the next best thing to the Cats. But there are question marks. Can Anthony Rocca stand up? Will Alan Didak behave? Are they happy off field?
ROHAN CONNOLLY 3rd The Magpies' admirable consistency of effort must make them a big chance in 2008, not to mention the youngsters who not only have become key players very quickly, but the heartbeat of this shrewdly coached team.
