Ben Reid appears to have consigned his soft-tissue problems to the past after a promising performance across half-back in Collingwood's intraclub match at Olympic Park Oval on Thursday night.

Magpie fans - the 5000 or so that turned up to the scratch match - would have also taken great heart out of Brent Macaffer's game through the midfield and up forward.

Reid was excellent in his customary sweeping role across half-back, with his ability to set up attacks particularly noticeable in the second half.

The 2011 All Australian defender's presence has been sorely missed having played just nine matches in the past two seasons due to a series of calf and quad complaints.

Macaffer, who wore a white cap even as the sun faded into the Melbourne night, won plenty of possessions through the midfield and up forward.

The standout players on the ground were Jordan De Goey and Darcy Moore, who both excelled for the 'Black' team.

De Goey looks set to take another leap in 2016, with the second-year midfielder displaying his undoubted class and contested ball winning ability in bunches.

Moore, who now stands at 201cm, was lively across half-forward and bagged four majors.

Rookie-listed tall forward Corey Gault also snagged five goals as he presses his claims to be elevated to the senior list before the season proper.

Brisbane Lions recruit James Aish flashed in and out of the game but he showed that he can run to the right spots.

There were some notable absentees with Jamie Elliott, Jack Crisp, Jeremy Howe, Tyson Goldsack, Adam Treloar and Marley Williams all sitting out.

Collingwood opens its NAB Challenge campaign against Geelong at Simonds Stadium next Friday night.

Scores

COLLINGWOOD BLACK     16.6 (102)
COLLINGWOOD WHITE     14.9 (93)

Goalkickers

Collingwood Black
5 Gault, 4 Moore, 2 Fasolo, Sinclair, Gray, Adams, Pendlebury, Witts

Collingwood White
3 White, 2 Cloke, 2 Matheson, Phillips, Swan, Greenwood, Wyatt, Grundy, Aish, Goodyear