THERE is a "stark difference" in the way Collingwood is playing from the start of the season to now according to coach Nathan Buckley.

The Pies' boss also says his team will fancy their chances against any team they encounter from here.

Buckley's ominous statement came after Collingwood took down the form side of the competition in Geelong by 24 points at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

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Back in business with a win-loss record of 4-5, the Magpies face the Western Bulldogs at the MCG next Sunday in what shapes as a fascinating duel.

"We're back in the season now off the last couple of weeks, and we come up against the Bulldogs next week," Buckley said in his post-game press conference. 

"We'll welcome any tests if we're prepared to bring that work rate and that effort." 

Wins over the Brisbane Lions and now the Cats in the past fortnight have demonstrated to Buckley that his side's best is good enough to test the AFL's top teams. 

Five talking points: Collingwood v Geelong

"On occasions, earlier this year, we just didn't bring our best to the table," Buckley said.

"We clearly didn't do that often enough early in the season. It's pretty stark, the difference in what we're seeing." 

Collingwood made a shell-shocked Geelong look second-rate as it booted seven goals to nil in the opening quarter to charge out to a 44-point lead.

But after quarter-time the momentum shifted and the Cats began to win the territory battle. Chipping away at the deficit, Geelong closed the margin to eight points with 14 minutes left in the game. 

But the Magpies steadied and by staying "aggressive" they were able to close out the match.

Jeremy Howe's confidence to back himself and drill a kick-in directly up the middle led to a final-quarter coast-to-coast goal to ruckman Brodie Grundy that gave the Magpies enough of a buffer.

"One of our boys said (at three-quarter time), 'This is our game to lose' but we came out of that and we said, 'We understand that sentiment but let's keep going on to win it,'" Buckley said.

"It's an important mentality to have because they're both right. We were able to keep our heads under real pressure."

Buckley praised Levi Greenwood for the defensive run-with role he performed on Geelong skipper Joel Selwood.

Selwood had just 18 disposals, his lowest tally since round 12 last season.

WATCH Nathan Buckley's full media conference

"Selwood probably circles that one and knows exactly who he's going to get and Levi circles it and knows what his challenge is," Buckley said.

"Levi's been up and down like we have in the early part of the year but when he brings it he makes us a better team and he makes his teammates walk taller around him."

Further adding to Buckley's buoyant mood is the fact the Magpies are due to regain a number of important players from injury over the next couple of weeks.

Key defender Nathan Brown (hamstring) is a week away from a return, while Tyson Goldsack (fractured thumb) and Marley Williams (foot) were due to play their first games in the VFL on Saturday.

Travis Cloke is available if needed and the performances of Jarrod Witts, Jonathon Marsh and Matt Goodyear have been been encouraging.

"We've got some guys starting to put some form together down there (in the VFL) so that helps build our momentum … when you know that there's boys that are pushing up from underneath," Buckley said.

"We haven't had that for the early part of the year."