HIGH-FLIER Jeremy Howe has reached new heights at Collingwood, with the defender elevated to vice-captain.

He joins Steele Sidebottom and Taylor Adams as deputies under skipper Scott Pendlebury late last week.

Howe, 27, had been part of an emerging leaders group that helped support the trio, but his impressive work on and off-field meant he was elevated mid-season.

The backman has been one of the best-performed Magpies this season and is ranked fourth in the competition for contested marks per game.

"My leadership is something that I have worked on and has grown over the years," Howe told collingwoodfc.com.au.

"This year has been the most consistent year I've had trying to lead by example and with my footy as well."

Coach Nathan Buckley said Howe had gone to another level.

"He's just elevated his impact on the group with that consistency, not just in performance but in driving the program, driving standards and driving training," Buckley said.

"That's everything we expect of a leader.

"Now the challenge is for him to continue to develop and see where he can take it. It's due recognition for what he's doing."

The Tasmanian was traded from Melbourne at the end of 2015 as part of a four-way deal also involving Port Adelaide and Adelaide.