Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says he's not the saviour, but many Magpie fans are still praying recruit Daniel Wells can kick-start the team's season.

That's because the 32-year-old showed his match-winning capabilities during his career at North Melbourne, with Collingwood supporters watching him destroy their mob in round 18 last season.

AFL Media's Peter Ryan looks at the ways Wells can help Collingwood find its best form as he makes his keenly anticipated ANZAC Day debut.

1. Hitting up Magpie forwards

Even his skipper hopes Wells can fix this problem for the Magpies, whose ball use was particularly ordinary in rounds one and four.

His targets last season included Ben Brown, Jarrad Waite and Mason Wood, who all averaged more marks inside 50 last season than Collingwood's Darcy Moore or Jesse White.

2016 Wells stat: Kicks inside 50 marked by teammates: 28.2 per cent (13th of the top-100 AFL players including finals).

Will he help? Like the old dial up internet, it might take time to connect

2. Accurate goalkicking

Wells might have missed his three set shots in 2016 but his career numbers are much better.

He has kicked 150 goals in 243 games, including 61 of 92 set shots for a 66 per cent accuracy.

2016 Wells stat: 0.3 from set shots, 5.2 from general play.

Will he help? He can't hurt. The Pies are ranked last for set shot accuracy this season, with a poor 38.7 per cent conversion rate in front of goal.

3. Clean ball use

Collingwood ranks 13th for kicking efficiency, so adding a midfielder with an elite kick rating can only help.

2016 Wells stat: Elite kick rating of +5, indicating he hits targets far more regularly than the competition average.

Will he help? It's like having two Scott Pendleburys.

4. Score involvements

The Pies needs goals, having kicked just 41, their lowest tally in four rounds since 1968. Only four times has a Magpie player had 10 score involvements or more in a game this season.

2016 Wells stat: 7.1 average score involvements per game. Those are elite numbers, given that anything around 10 score involvements in a single game rates is usually considered fantastic. Wells is also elite when it comes to score assists, averaging 1.8 per game.

Will he help? Wells might lead a horse to water but he can't make it drink.

5. Clearances

Breakaway speed from stoppages has not been a Magpie strong point, with Adam Treloar playing a lone hand since Dale Thomas left for Carlton.

Wells will change that. With Brodie Grundy in good form at boundary throw-ins, Wells will hit the ball at top speed and give the Pie forwards a chance one-on-one.

2016 Wells stat: An above average 5.4 clearances per game.

Will he help? He will turn dropping a Datsun off at the garage into Formula One pit stops.