COLLINGWOOD recruit Adam Treloar's strong performance against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon was to be expected, Magpies coach Nathan Buckley says.

Treloar, 23, had hip surgery at the end of last year. The match against the Dogs was his debut for the Magpies' senior team and he excelled, racking up 26 disposals, including 10 contested. A pair of goals capped his game.

His run through the middle and class with his kicking was pivotal to the win, while a goal from long range late in the last quarter showed what a weapon he can be.

The former Greater Western Sydney midfielder played three quarters of a VFL practice match last Sunday – his first game of 2016. Buckley said the Pies did not need to limit Treloar's minutes.

"He's put a lot of work in and he's in good shape. We couldn't be happier with his progress to this point and he's ready to attack the season," Buckley said.

"We were only going to expose him to what he was ready for."

Collingwood was undefeated in the NAB Challenge and Buckley said that form was advantageous, despite the Pies’ biggest winning margin through the pre-season competition being eight points.

"For whatever it's worth – which is not a great deal – but to be able to have been in those positions and take the learning from the last two or three minutes from each of the games will stand us in good stead," he said.

The Pies went 1-6 in games where the margin was two goals or less last season.

Brent Macaffer came off the ground late in the contest with what appeared to be a cramp in his calf, although the exact nature of what happened is not known at this stage.

Collingwood will have a practice match next Friday, with defender Ben Reid expected to play.