COLLINGWOOD defender Josh Smith will miss the next month after scans confirmed a tear to the hamstring he injured against Hawthorn on Saturday night.

Smith, 24, came off after hurting his hamstring in the final quarter of the 34-point loss to the Hawks.

He will now miss at least the next three games, which includes this Saturday's clash with Greater Western Sydney, round three's Friday night blockbuster against Carlton and an away clash against Adelaide a week later.

"It's a genuine hamstring," Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh told AFL.com.au.

"It's generally 21-28 days so that's about what we expect.

"He's got a tear there so it's around that four-week mark I would have thought."

It's better news for forward Ben Crocker, who came off late in the game after kicking two goals as the Magpies' most effective forward.

"He just copped a whack in the back so he's just pulled up OK, he's a bit sore but there's no damage per se, so he'll be ok," Walsh said.

WATCH: Crocker hurts his back

Swingman Darcy Moore, who was treated for Achilles soreness across the pre-season, was spotted with ice on the backs of both legs in the rooms after the game.

But Walsh said the rest of the team had gotten through the season opener without any new concerns.

"It was just round one, the competition goes up a notch and a few boys pull up tight and sore as they would have across the competition," he said.

"Josh was the only casualty out of that."

Alex Fasolo, Tim Broomhead, Jarryd Blair and Chris Mayne are among those in contention to come into the side after playing in a VFL practice match last Friday.

Josh Daicos and Matt Scharenberg also looked good in the win over Box Hill, while Callum Brown was held over as the AFL team's emergency.

The Pies have another VFL hit-out scheduled for Saturday night against North Melbourne at the club, but key players Jamie Elliott and Jordan De Goey are not expected to take part as they need more training before being thrown in to a competitive environment.

Coach Nathan Buckley has indicated Daniel Wells needs more time at the lower level before being considered for AFL selection, after the veteran played a half in the VFL game last week.