COLLINGWOOD has almost returned to its premiership season "DNA", according to Brisbane champion Michael Voss.

Speaking on AFL.com.au's Finals Film Room, Voss said the Pies would be held in good stead because of their elite pressure, as Collingwood prepares to face the Western Bulldogs in a wildcard final at the MCG on Friday night.

>>Watch the Finals Film Room in full in the video player below

The Pies are the best tackle differential team in the competition in 2026, as they were last year, and when they won the flag in 2023.

"It's their DNA. It's absolutely their DNA," Voss said.

"They've almost gone back to 2023 when you think about the way that they want to play. And it's everything to do about pressure on the ball.

"Even to the point where they'll leave numbers out the back and you think, they just get that one more kick or they grubber that ball out the back, they've got spares in the forward 50.

"But they're as brave as anyone being able to come forward and leave those numbers out the back."

The Pies have lost the tackle count just four times this year, and they brought the heat in a draw against premiership contender Hawthorn in round 23, laying 37 more while also finishing with more disposals.

Essendon great Matthew Lloyd believes the Pies have some vulnerabilities, but their ability to apply pressure could see them do some damage in September.

"They must bring the heat and the pressure. I think if they're to win this one final, two finals, I think their strength is their pressure," he said.

"They've got a lot of young kids in there, so they are quite vulnerable. But when they bring this, I just think they're a great proposition.

"They spooked Hawthorn in this game only a couple of weeks ago where they got the draw, (just) couldn't sustain it for long enough."

Watch the Finals Film Room with Michael Voss and Matthew Lloyd every Tuesday throughout the finals series on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App