JUST as unlikely as Collingwood's charge into the top-four is the Magpies becoming everyone's second-favourite team.

Even Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury concedes the prospect of that truly becoming reality is far-fetched.

But the Magpies' enthralling and improbable charge up the ladder in 2022 has at least made rivals respect them.

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Under popular rookie coach Craig McRae, Collingwood has rebounded from a club-worst 17th finish last season to be three wins away from a 16th VFL/AFL premiership.

Evergreen Pendlebury, who is preparing for his 356th AFL game, always hoped the Magpies could bounce back quickly from a nightmare 2021.

"Always in pre-season you're optimistic and you’re excited by the challenge of what we can do," Pendlebury said on Monday.

"I certainly thought this group could get back to finals, but in terms of the year we've had, I don't think anyone would have predicted winning as many close games as we have.

"The style of footy we've played has been exciting."

The dramatic switch from slow, defensive football last year to all-out attack this season has meant Collingwood has captured the imagination of the football public.

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The Magpies have won nine games by less than 10 points and defeated reigning premiers Melbourne twice.

"I feel like if you don’t go for Collingwood, you don’t hate us as much as you used to," Pendlebury said.

"You actually don't mind flipping on our game and watching.

"People don't mind us at the moment, so if we could be everyone's second side for the finals, which is probably unlikely, I wouldn't mind that."

Collingwood expects to welcome back key midfielder Taylor Adams from a groin injury for Saturday's qualifying final against Geelong at the MCG.

Adams has not played since round 20, but is a renowned finals performer and an experienced player the Magpies will need against the hardened Cats team.