INJURY-CURSED Collingwood midfielder Daniel Wells made a successful, if uninspiring, return to football through the VFL at the Holden Centre on Saturday afternoon.

With heavy rain, especially early in the clash, making conditions very difficult to play in, Wells spent most of his time in the midfield, with stints up forward.

Stats for the game are not available until Monday but Wells was not a prolific ball-winner in the Magpies' 16-point loss to Port Melbourne.

The 33-year-old had played only in a VFL practice match this year, on March 23, having struggled with hamstring and Achilles injuries.

Coach Jared Rivers said Wells managed close to three quarters of game time, which was the target heading into the match.

"It was just tough, especially for forwards, to get involved on a day like today. Just good to see him get through. Played 65-70 per cent. I don't know how long he will be with us but he's just got to keep building," Rivers said.

The senior side has won two matches in a row and looks unlikely to make many unforced changes ahead of its Anzac Day clash with Essendon.