COLLINGWOOD is as good as any side in the competition when it is switched on, says utility Tyson Goldsack.

The Magpies' form has been on an up and down curve all year and the Pies face the second-placed Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night, almost a week after crushing Essendon by 79 points at the MCG.

Goldsack, who will play his 100^th AFL game on the weekend, said the Magpies' intensity was a key indicator of their overall performances.

"We've just tried to narrow the focus and work on a few things and get them right and the rest will take care of itself," Goldsack said at the Westpac Centre on Friday.

"You've got to start defensively. The good teams are defensively minded, first and foremost, and then work offensively from there.

"If we get that chase and that pressure up, it feels good. When we do that right we do it as well, if not better than anyone else."

The Magpies’ coaching staff are starting to settle on a predictable team lineup and ensure their players are finding continuity and consistency at the right time of year.

This week’s game is set to mark the first time Collingwood has not made a change since round two of the 2011 season.

However, the Magpies will be without both Darren Jolly and Dale Thomas for the clash against the Swans.

Jolly was a no-show at training on Friday morning, as the Magpies continue to manage his ongoing knee problems. Thomas trained with the main group and appeared to be moving well. He is a strong chance to play in the VFL next week.

"He's (Thomas) a quality player. Give him a couple of runs in the twos (VFL) and he'll be back in the ones. He's been sorely missed and we're looking forward to his return," Goldsack said.

The Magpies went through a very light session at the club's training facility on Friday morning and will fly to Sydney this afternoon.

Ben Guthrie covers Collingwood news for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie