Collingwood has left no doubt it believes the premiership window remains open after recommitting to all four of its out-of-contract veterans for 2025.
Scott Pendlebury will play on into a 20th season and be joined by Steele Sidebottom, Jeremy Howe and Will Hoskin-Elliott after the quartet signed one-year deals on Thursday.
It means all nine of the Magpies’ over-30 brigade will play on next season and could lead to a player exodus at the end of the campaign.
Coach Craig McRae had flagged that his senior players were all likely to remain with weeks to go in the season.
“I don’t think we should be in a hurry to exit the experience off our list because I think those things are really beneficial for our young group,” McRae said earlier this month.
“I haven’t got to (discussing a willingness to play in the VFL), but form dictates a lot of things. You have currency for past experiences, and you get certain grace, but if there comes a time someone is performing really well (in the VFL), you’d want to be performing in your role.
“That’s not just experience, that’s part and parcel of every week when you go to selection … we want to keep evolving and keep growing.”
Collingwood list boss Justin Leppitsch said the quartet would provide “invaluable” experience and help guide the Magpies’ “next generation”.
“We’re pleased to have Scott, Steele, Jeremy and Will sign on for another season in the black and white,” Leppitsch said.
“All four are highly valued and play integral roles for our program both on and off the field.
“Their leadership and experience are invaluable to our environment and each of them play a key role in educating and guiding our next generation of young talent.
“We are sure the Magpie Army are looking forward to seeing them in action in 2025.”
Premiership midfielder Tom Mitchell, who only managed six senior games this year due to injury and illness, will also come out of contract at the end of 2025 along with Jamie Elliott Mason Cox and Brody Mihocek.
The durable Jack Crisp, 30, is contracted for another year to the end of 2026.