COLLINGWOOD has received some positive news on the injury front with some key names getting through a VFL intra-club hit-out on Friday.

Star defender Jeremy Howe made his return from a calf problem, while Darcy Moore (Achilles) and Alex Fasolo (shoulder) managed to get some valuable game time after interrupted pre-season campaigns.

The high-flying Howe took up his customary role in the back half and was joined by regular forward Moore, who is set for a move into defence this season.

The pair played the first half of the scratch match before sitting out the rest of the night.

Both players found plenty of the footy and stood out with their marking ability across half-back.

Fasolo kicked 29 goals in 19 games last season and will be a welcome boost for Collingwood's struggling forward line when he returns to the senior side.

The Pies failed to find any forward potency in Thursday night's 60-point loss to the Giants in their JLT Community Series opener, despite some glimpses of form from big men Mason Cox and Ben Reid.

Chris Mayne gathered just two possessions against GWS, both kicks in the first quarter.

Rupert Wills, Jarryd Blair and Brayden Sier were other Magpies to show some form on Friday, mostly in the midfield, while former Sydney speedster Sam Murray was impressive playing across half-back.

Tyler Brown, the second son of club great Gavin to join the Pies, kicked a goal and showed he was a player of the future with some slick touches playing on the wing.

The Pies will finish their JLT Community Series campaign against the Western Bulldogs at Moe next Sunday.