COLLINGWOOD'S Nathan Brown finds himself starting 2015 as something of a father figure among the club's sea of young players.

After spending much of the past two seasons sidelined by injury, the defender says he's fit and ready to contribute ahead of Thursday's NAB Challenge opener against Hawthorn at Launceston.

NAB Challenge squads: Hawthorn v Collingwood

"We've got 15 players playing tomorrow night that are under the age of 22 so I'm 26 and I'm one of the oldest," he told reporters during time out from training at Aurora Stadium on Wednesday.

"It does feel a little bit different but at the same time, very exciting."

Knee and shoulder problems plagued Brown throughout 2013 and 2014 and he doesn't underestimate the importance of getting a good start to the new year. 

"I don't like sitting in the stands and I love being out on the field; it's what I'm here to do, I'm here to play footy," he said.

"My whole mantra over the pre-season is just to take the momentum into the season and that includes NAB [Challenge].

"These next three or so games are very important." 

After finishing 11th in 2014 Collingwood is eyeing a return to the finals in the coming season and the key lies in the club's new recruits, Brown said. 

Swan, De Goey shine in Pies' intra-club

"Tomorrow is all about showcasing the youth of our team.

"They're pretty confident with their football and they've slotted in very well and once that siren goes tomorrow night it will be right down to business." 

Brown, who described himself as a mentor for his young colleagues, said Jordan De Goey is his pick.

"He's really a contested player, loves getting in amongst the ball.

"He was fantastic last week in our intra-club match so I'm looking forward to running out with him and I think he will impress. 

But the Magpies are not relying solely on fresh talent. 

Midfield recruit Levi Greenwood will run on for Collingwood on Thursday after making the switch from North Melbourne.

He will play alongside Travis Varcoe and Jack Crisp in Launceston, while skipper Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and Travis Cloke have not been named in the squad to face the Hawks.