COLLINGWOOD defender Jackson Ramsay says questions over the strength of Collingwood's backline this season are wide of the mark.

While the Magpies possess a star-studded midfield and a forward line with plenty of firepower, they'll field a defensive unit made up of seasoned veterans and unproven youngsters.

Key defender Ben Reid is the cornerstone of the set-up, with recycled additions Travis Varcoe, Jeremy Howe and Lynden Dunn to provide valuable experience.

As one of the youthful Pies still finding their feet at senior level, Ramsay has called on the naysayers to give he and his fellow defenders a chance to prove themselves as a unit.

"I don't think (the backline is) weaker than any other division in our team," Ramsay told AFL.com.au.

"The media can say what they want, but what (we think) at the club is what really matters.

"Obviously our age profile is very young, and we've had some injuries to Ben Sinclair, Matt Scharenberg and myself.

"So the more we play together, the more we'll gel together down there."

Saturday's JLT Community Series clash against Fremantle in Mandurah will be Ramsay's second game back from a ACL tear that kept him to just two senior games in 2016.

Such is the regard for the 22-year-old at Collingwood, the club sent him to the United States as part of his rehabilitation after the training mishap last April.

With full confidence in his knee after the opening pre-season encounter against Essendon, the West Australian is looking forward to heading back across the Nullabor in the next step to earning a round one berth against the Western Bulldogs.

"I was really confident (against Essendon) because the club has invested fair bit of resources in me, like going over to Philadelphia, and learn some new things (about ACL rehabilitation)," he said.

"It was a good experience to get over there and bring back some new techniques for Matthew Scharenberg and other people who have done knees.

"The body held up beautifully (against the Bombers)."

Ramsay, who has played nine senior games across three seasons at the Magpies, can shut down an opponent while still giving plenty of attacking drive, which should see him high on Nathan Buckley's list for a game against the reigning premiers.

"The more I can run off (my man) and get involved in the offence is good for the team," Ramsay said.

"But I also need to remember the defensive principles."