Collingwood and Melbourne went head-to-head in a practice match to kick start the year at Olympic Park on Friday.

The Pies showed plenty of good signs but went down by 24 points, 7.6 (48) to 11.6 (72).

Check out the best photos from Collingwood Football Club photographer Luke Henry.

The boys gather before the first bounce

New recruit Jordan Roughead dons the black and white for the first time 

Taylor Adam looks for an option

Brody Mihocek lines up a target

Jamie Elliott in action

Ben Reid dives for a mark

Brayden Sier dishes off a handball

Brayden Maynard releases the footy out of the backline

Tom Phillips evades a Dees tackle

Dayne Beams in full flight

Brody Mihocek goes back with the flight, while Rupert Wills goes high