COLLINGWOOD hopes returning forward Alex Fasolo can bolster its scoring power in his first game of the season after the Magpies managed just five goals last week.  

The Pies struggled in attack in last week's defeat to Geelong, booting their lowest score of the season (5.15 to Geelong's 9.12) in a dour affair.  

But they have recalled Fasolo for the exciting goalkicker's first game of 2018, and coach Nathan Buckley said they hope the 25-year-old could add to their forward half in Saturday night's meeting with St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.  

"Everyone we select we select for a purpose and for a reason, and [Fasolo] form has been really consistent. He's put a body of work together in the VFL and he should feel really confident coming in for his next opportunity," he said.  

"We're a different team to last year, we've got slightly different expectations and a greater understanding of what each role is and 'Fas' will be expected to come in and play that and bring his strengths to the table at the same time.  

"Fas has played some really good footy through the VFL and earned his opportunity and we're looking forward to seeing what he can do."  

Fasolo kicked 29 goals from 19 games last season, and has averaged more than a goal a game during his 100-game career with the club.  

After a shoulder injury interrupted his pre-season, Fasolo has averaged 17 disposals and four tackles at VFL level this season and booted 11 goals.

Buckley said the Pies, who are scoring slightly less than last season (a decline of 88 points on average last year to 86 this year), are still developing their options around goal.  

"We've been moulding a front six or seven that can take advantage of some of our really solid defensive work and strong midfield. Last week we looked like we weren't able to win enough contests or be dangerous enough. We just didn’t have enough teeth offensively," he said.  

"We have been able to hit the scoreboard heavily enough this year and take advantage of some pretty good ball use, but last week wasn't the case.

"We need to continue to add and find ways to kick winning scores while maintaining our defence."  

Captain Scott Pendlebury is considered a certain starter after missing last week's loss with a leg injury suffered in round seven, but the Pies will again be without two of their stars as Darcy Moore and Jamie Elliott nurse their hamstring setbacks.  

Buckley said the club remains uncertain how long the pair will be missing but has ruled out seeing them until at least round 14.  

"I wouldn't expect to see them before the bye and we need to get them robust and ready to go to contribute in the back half of the year," he said.