COLLINGWOOD forward Sean Rusling had a strong hit-out in Hobart on Saturday ahead of next weekend's opening round of matches.

He was among several AFL players who received league permission to play in VFL trial matches over this weekend, due to interrupted pre-seasons.

New Magpies captain Scott Burns, Brodie Holland and Ben Johnson also impressed at North Hobart Oval as the Collingwood reserves side beat the Tassie Devils.

Essendon players Adam McPhee and Jay Neagle played a half for Bendigo against Werribee.