Collingwood say they have a new-found appreciation for AFL opponents Port Adelaide after the Power were able to do something the Magpies were not.

Port’s stunning come-from-behind slaying of premiers Sydney last weekend pricked the ears and focused the eyes of the Magpies for an AAMI Stadium clash on Saturday now set to shape the top eight.

Magpies defender Nathan Brown says the manner of Port’s win suggests what a quality outfit the Power have become under new coach Ken Hinkley, considering Collingwood were torched just a few weeks earlier by the Swans.

“We really rate Sydney,” Brown said on Friday.

“They absolutely demolished us at the MCG a couple of weeks back, so for a team to beat them, we obviously really rate Port now.

“We always did (rate Port), but to do what they did last week – they’re obviously a good team in big form.

“It is a danger game, and it’s a game we need to set ourselves for and to really have a good one and make sure we really do win.”

The Magpies will be without key defender Ben Reid with a hamstring injury and ruckman Darren Jolly, who has a toe problem.

Brown admitted both would be sorely missed, though veteran ruckman Ben Hudson has performed excellently when called upon so far this season in Jolly’s absence.

Collingwood are also building a versatile, deep squad – evidenced by the fact they remain in the top eight despite losing Jolly, Luke Ball, Dayne Beams, Dale Thomas and skipper Nick Maxwell for substantial parts of the season.

Brown credits finding mature-age rookies like Sam Dwyer and Kyle Martin, and the growing confidence of their youngsters for building such formidable depth and allowing them to cover the season’s many sicknotes.

“We do have the younger guys, and this year is the first time we’ve used those rookie spots for mature-age players,” Brown said.

“They’ve come in … got hardened bodies and they fill in that role we expect of them.”