COLLINGWOOD defender Ben Reid made a strong case to be included in next Friday's match against Richmond at the MCG.

Reid was at his best, reading the ball in the air and taking contested marks with ease, as Collingwood won its VFL practice match against Coburg by 66 points. He played the whole game in defence and was the best player on the ground.

The 26-year-old didn't take to the field in the NAB Challenge after hurting his calf. He played just five games in 2015.

Jonathon Marsh played a similarly excellent game in defence, even if his kicking was not quite up to Reid's lofty standards.

Marsh's marking ability will give Magpies coach Nathan Buckley much to think about, with the Tigers set to play a tall forward line comprising of Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery and Ben Griffiths.

Marsh, 20, played all three of Collingwood's pre-season games.

Jeremy Howe was the dominant presence up forward for the Pies. The former Melbourne player only had one goal but was unselfish, often centring the ball to teammates in better position.

Midfielder James Aish played on a wing and had three goals. The former Brisbane Lion was solid without being spectacular.

Brodie Grundy was competitive in the ruck and put himself in the frame for selection, while Alan Toovey played his typical role off half-back and improved as the game went on.

Jesse White was tried in defence and showed flashes with some strong marks, although his kicking in the first quarter was poor.

Tom Phillips was among the better players for the Pies and finished with two goals. Phillips was drafted at No. 58 last year.

Fellow draftee Rupert Wills – taken with pick No. 63 in 2015 – was one of his side's better players after coming on in the second half. 

Tyson Goldsack didn't come on to the field until the second quarter. He played forward but didn't have a great impact.

Goldsack has been struggling this pre-season with knee tendinitis.