COLLINGWOOD recruit Lynden Dunn has played enough football to know there was no point moping after he was overlooked for selection in the first five rounds of the season.

Instead of being down in the dumps, the former Demon went back to the VFL and tried to display the on-field leadership and cool head under pressure that has been a key part of his AFL career.

Dunn, 29, knew that if he bided his time, eventually an opportunity would present itself, and with Ben Reid managed by the Magpies' coaching staff, he made the most of it in a 29-point win over Geelong on Sunday.

"I've been around the traps long enough. I was disappointed not to play the first five rounds but I know how footy works," Dunn said.

"Dragging your carcass around the club and the changerooms doesn't do anyone any good. I've been waiting for my opportunity and it came today and I'm just stoked to be part of a win."

Dunn, who was traded from Melbourne last November after 165 games in 12 seasons, kept in-form Cats spearhead Tom Hawkins to just eight disposals and one goal (converted from the goalsquare).

The experienced backman lost out to Henry Schade after the pair battled it out for the second tall defender spot alongside Ben Reid in the JLT Community Series.

Dunn's last game at AFL level came in round six, 2016.

"It's been 365 days to the day," Dunn said acknowledging his up and down journey.

"Last year was a tough year for me playing VFL and that's why I came to the Pies, because I feel like I've got a lot to give at AFL level still.

"I've always backed myself in and think that I'm still good enough and hopefully I showed the footy world today that I am."

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said Dunn had given the coaching staff plenty to think about in regard to their defensive setup with Reid due back against Carlton next Sunday.

"We've got decisions to make now because Lynden really stood up and played really well," Buckley said.

"Once again, his teammates love him for his on-field demand and communication. He's probably the loudest bloke out at training and from all reports the loudest bloke out on the field.

"He does a lot right and has done a lot right since the day he came in, and to wait until round six to get his chance he's had to be patient but he made the most of it."

Dunn found out on Thursday night that he would be playing his first game for his new club and that his job was to contain Hawkins.

"I've played on 'Tomahawk' before and he's in really good form and he's been a key target for them going forward," Dunn said.

"I just went back to how I've played him the past.

"Backing myself in I know I'm good enough to defend against anyone."