FOR THE first time in 14 years the familiar face of Nathan Buckley was missing from Collingwood's pre-season training, and coach Mick Malthouse was giving little away about who would be Buckley’s replacement as club captain.

The Magpies held their first training session on Monday since their elimination from the AFL finals in September and the retirement of Buckley, as well as James Clement and Paul Licuria.

Malthouse said he hadn't really considered the absence of Buckley.

"Every year there's a change of personnel. I'd love to have another Nathan Buckley running around but that's not the case but I haven't really thought about it," Malthouse said.