Melbourne have Collingwood's attention and Nathan Buckley is concerned they might be improving enough in the AFL to have their measure.
While the Demons only have three wins so far this season, they have come a long way already under coach Paul Roos.
They nearly upset top side Port Adelaide last weekend in Alice Springs.
Collingwood will still start strong favourites against the Demons in their annual Queen's Birthday blockbuster on Monday.
In their last nine matches, the Magpies have eight wins and a draw.
But Buckley said Collingwood could not afford to underestimate Melbourne.
"One of the first things Roosy said was gaining the respect back of the competition - they have our respect," Buckley said.
"We'll be going into Monday with our eyes wide open, understanding fully the football Melbourne have been able to play.
"They've played some really good footy and it just seems to be going harder for longer - closer to a four-quarter effort."
The Magpies will lose veteran defender Nick Maxwell to a calf injury, but regain Luke Ball, Dane Swan and Brodie Grundy.
Jesse White has a compound finger dislocation and his partner is expecting their first child, but he also should be available.
In more good injury news for the `Pies, tall utility Ben Reid will resume this weekend in the VFL.
Reid, one of Collingwood's most important players, has been out of senior action this year because of a recurring calf problem.
Buckley said Reid will need several weeks before they consider him for a senior recall.
"If we lose another key back, (we) might get adventurous," Buckley said.
"But I think discretion will be the better part of valour there, given Reidy will need a couple of games, minimum, to get right.
"We have designs on him making us better, whether he plays in front of the ball or behind it."
Share
