PIES IN HUNT FOR TALLS

caught in that so we’ll let it happen behind the cloak.”

The Pies were criticised last year when it emerged Bulldogs midfielder Jong had toured their facilities during the season, although he ultimately chose to sign a contract extension.

Magpies football boss Geoff Walsh last week confirmed 21year-old defender Lever was on their radar but said it would be tough to prise him from Adelaide’s grip.

The Victorian native has also been linked to the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne. Demons coach Simon Goodwin was also saying little yesterday.

Collingwood had a firsthand look at McGovern’s talent on Sunday when he capped a 50-point Adelaide comeback with a sensational pack mark and a goal after the siren to secure an improbable draw.

Buckley said the Pies were keen to see more of what Ben Reid, Darcy Moore, Jamie Elliott and Alex Fasolo could do as a forward unit, with injuries restricting them to a handful of games together.

“He looks like he’s got a bit more spring in the step and he laid five forward-50 tackles on the weekend,” Buckley said of Reid.

“He only had six touches but kicked a couple of goals, and I think it was a really influential game.

“A lot of what happens over the next month probably dictates a little bit of the last five per cent of decisions you need to make on your list going into the next phase.”