Ash Close, Craig McRae, Hayden Skipworth, Justin Leppitsch, Brendan Bolton and Craig Black bonding on a fishing charter. [Photo: Collingwood FC]

A new season of The Grind will premiere on collingwoodfc.com.au and the club's social media channels tonight at 7.30pm.

In episode one of The Grind, head coach Craig McRae and a new-look coaching group spend an afternoon on a fishing charter ahead of the pre-season. 

"I thought it was a good opportunity as a new coaching group to come out and get to know each other before the hustle and bustle starts," McRae said during the fishing trip.

"We want to be Side by Side on and off the field, we want all our players and staff to be connected.

"Fishing is a little bit like the footy season as well - you start with great optimism and see how you go."

Brendon Bolton, Craig Black and Ash Close heading out on the coaches fishing charter. [Photo: Collingwood FC]

McRae added there's an "air of excitement" at the club following a year of upheaval and said he hopes to instil a winning mindset in his players, coaches and staff.

"We want to create winning habits and behaviours that will stack up when we need it most," he explained.

"As soon as players walk in they're going to feel it. We're going to try to create an environment where there's lots of opportunities to act like winners to reinforce those behaviours."

On the hype surrounding potential top-three draft pick Nick Daicos, McRae said the father-son prodigy was taking it all in his stride.

"Already I'm seeing a guy that's really hungry and wants to get the best out of himself," McRae said.

"He hasn't played many games in the last couple of years so we need to make sure he gets a full pre-season in and his talents will shine through.

"I'm keen to play him in a few different roles.

"We can't control what people expect or want from Nick but we can control the environment we create for him and we will give him every chance to be the best version of himself." 

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A week out from the draft, the youngest member of the Daicos family said he was eager to officially join the club.

"I feel prepared and I'm ready to hit the ground running," he said.

"I want to earn the respect of my teammates and the coaching staff - I want to be known as a hard worker.

"Collingwood has a rich history and I have the family history too. I've grown up loving the club so I can't wait.

Colleen, Nick and Peter Daicos reflect on the journey to the NAB AFL Draft. [Photo: Collingwood FC]

"I'm not focusing too much on outside pressure.

"I just want to live up to my own expectations and reach the goals I set for myself."

Episode one also follows Pies veteran Jamie Elliott as he visits his home town and young midfielder Reef McInnes as he puts in work on the track.