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AAP
AAP
Sport
Shayne Hope

Flag-favourites Collingwood can go up another level

Experienced midfielder Taylor Adams says AFL flag-favourites Collingwood can get even better. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Collingwood's flying start has already resulted in a surge to AFL premiership favouritism but Craig McRae's players are confident they are capable of reaching much greater heights.

The Magpies are the competition's highest-scoring team, averaging 130 points a game after booting their biggest tallies since 2018 over the opening two rounds.

Their scintillating attack has positioned them as one of five sides with perfect records, sitting fourth on percentage, ahead of Friday night's blockbuster clash with Richmond at the MCG.

"We were sort of more hopeful at the start of the season, more than anything else," Collingwood midfielder Taylor Adams told AAP.

"But we've put together some really good form and offensive play, and obviously kept Port Adelaide to a pretty low score (last week), which was pleasing.

"We're playing some really strong footy but certainly there's some improvement to go."

Collingwood have already had 15 different goal-kickers - only Essendon (18) have had more - in a show of force in attack across the opening two rounds.

Their even spread and array of scoring options makes them a dangerous proposition for any opposition defence.

"That's been a part of the plan for a couple of years now," Adams said.

"It's our ability to move the ball well and our forwards are loving the fact that our mids are doing really well at clearance.

"Also our ability to move the ball from deep into our forward 50 opens up opportunities for us.

"It's nice to see guys on the scoreboard and it's been a really good start to the season in that aspect."

There were question marks over Collingwood after their incredible run of victories in close games last season.

But rather than let their luck run out, it appears the Magpies have taken their game up a level to take charge of their own destiny.

The addition of Tom Mitchell, Bobby Hill, Dan McStay and Billy Frampton from rival clubs has added further depth to a talented squad, with the off-season acquisitions all having an impact.

"You throw in a Brownlow medallist (Mitchell) and when you do that you're always going to have an uplift," Adams said.

"Tommy's been awesome for us through the midfield ... and those other boys are just flourishing in our environment.

"Bobby Hill and Billy Frampton are just super selfless guys, both out there to play their roles and they're doing a great job."

Adams noted Collingwood's hot start doesn't come with any guarantees, as greater tests lie ahead throughout a long season.

They have lost ruck-forward Mason Cox (ribs) to injury this week, replaced by Ash Johnson.

But the Tigers will be without injured stars Dustin Martin, Jayden Short and Jacob Hopper, as well as suspended defender Nathan Broad, with Jack Ross, Hugo Ralphsmith and fourth-gamer Judson Clarke recalled.

"There's absolutely no easy games," Adams said.

"We came really prepared for Port Adelaide's best and knew it was going to be a huge challenge.

"We're coming up against a super footy side in Richmond on Friday night and we're looking forward to it."

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