COLLINGWOOD needs to "bring the heat" in its must-win elimination final against Port Adelaide at the MCG next Saturday night, says dashing defender Paul Seedsman.

 

The Magpies' 35-point loss to the Power in round 14 raised questions over Collingwood's finals candidacy, as Port Adelaide thoroughly outworked and outplayed its opponents on that occasion.

 

Seedsman's club is in a much better place than it was then but he admits there are plenty of things to work on out of the club's round 23 11-point loss to North Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.

 

The Magpies allowed the Kangaroos 52 forward-50 entries and watched on as North took its final score to 125 points.

 

"We've got to tighten a few screws defensively, and make sure we bring the heat around the ball next week," Seedsman told AFL.com.au.

 

The 21-year-old is under no illusions about the safety of his place in the team, as a number of Magpies players – including Luke Ball, Harry O'Brien and Jamie Elliott – seek to prove their fitness ahead of the game against the Power.

 

However, he can be pleased with his efforts against the Kangaroos. Seedsman finished with 21 disposals, four inside 50s and a long-range goal from outside 50.

 

In the Magpies and Power's last meeting, Port's crisp and clean ball movement on the outside of the contest proved to be Collingwood's downfall, according to Seedsman.

 

Like most, Seedsman watched on in amazement as Carlton came back from the death to knock the Power off their perch on Saturday evening.

 

Seedsman says the Magpies will have to do everything in their power to slow down a dangerous Port Adelaide outfit.

 

"We're going to have to bring the heat on the ball carrier and make sure we've got pressured decisions and work at stopping that run," Seedsman said.

 

"They killed us coming off the half-back line last time (in round 14) and we're going to have to nullify that as much as possible."

 

Seedsman said the Power have proven they deserve to be in the finals race.

 

"They're no slackers. They're a good side and they've played some good football this year," he said.