“Sad news” Collingwood set to assess low-cost defensive options as star defender announce retirement.

Collingwood’s gaping hole was laid bare in 2024 with the medical retirement of Nathan Murphy, leaving a void that has yet to be filled.

Adelaide’s Mark Keane denied a reunion with the Pies after extending his time at West Lakes, while other key defenders Tom Barrass and Josh Battle have pledged their desire to join destination club Hawthorn.

So, available talls are few and far between.

But a pair of Demons – Tom McDonald and Adam Tomlinson – are without contracts for 2025 and pose as “Moneyball” options for Collingwood.

Both are on the wrong side of 30 and wouldn’t cost a heap to get across, both financially and in draft capital if Melbourne were to entertain a trade.

Since joining Melbourne from GWS, Tomlinson has played 45 games across five seasons and has fallen behind the likes of Jake Lever and Steven May.

The 31-year-old has played a multitude of roles under Simon Goodwin, which would make him appealing for the Pies.

But ultimately, it would help Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe lock down the opposition’s offensive weapons.

For Tomlinson, the writing has been on the wall for some time at the Demons, and now out of contract, could seek a move to a third club.

It was reported that St Kilda was heavily into the former Giant given the Battle departure, but a play from the Pies wouldn’t be a shock.

McDonald’s future at the Demons seemingly remains more secure after missing only one game in 2024.