Collingwood will look to rebound and generate momentum heading into the home-and-away season when several stars return for their final practice match next week.

The Magpies began the new campaign on a poor note against Greater Western Sydney on Thursday night, enduring a 60-point crunching by one of the flag favourites.

While coach Nathan Buckley said there had been "posturing" between the clubs, for they play again in round two of the season proper, concerns were raised by their ball movement and inability to regularly clear half-back.

It was not a good night for the Pies against the Giants. Credit:Dion Georgopoulos

Buckley said the Magpies had a "bit of work to do" before playing the Western Bulldogs in Moe on March 10, when they hope Darcy Moore, Alex Fasolo and Jeremy Howe will be among those returning to the side.