Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley spoke of his hopes for Daniel Wells during the back end of the season on Monday night.

Speaking on Nine's Footy Classified, Buckley said the former North Melbourne star would make an invaluable contribution when fit during the second half of the season.

"Wells has been a little bit hit and miss with injury, but I still think there's plenty to play out there," Buckley said.

"If we have Wells up at the right time – and that's still an if – he'll make a significant difference to our best footy and that's why we picked him."

Wells had a delayed start to 2017, and injured his calf against Fremantle in round 11.

He will not line up against Port Adelaide this Saturday, but averaged 21.2 disposals in his first five games.

Fellow recruit Chris Mayne has not played senior football since round three, but Buckley said the Magpies are working closely with him to help produce his best form in the second half of the season.

"We're absolutely committed to Chris and finding out what his best football can be (and) he'll have a say in it."

Mayne kicked four goals in Collingwood's VFL loss to Casey a fortnight ago.