Honourable losses just won't cut it for Craig McRae.

Collingwood's coach was pleased with the Magpies' effort in Thursday night's seven-point loss to Brisbane, but said there was a lot to learn after falling short for a third straight week.

They led by 13 points at quarter-time but coughed up six consecutive goals in the second term and could never get their noses back in front.

"I reckon we learnt a lot about ourselves tonight," McRae said.

"We want to win, let's face it, honourable losses are one thing, but if you have 22 honourable losses you finish bottom.

"We're here to win and we didn't get the job done and we've got some work to do still."

Collingwood generated 62 inside 50s and despite kicking the game's final three goals couldn't muster enough scores to topple the home team.

Its disjointed forward line should regain some firepower for the Anzac Day clash against Essendon, with McRae expecting Brody Mihocek (health and safety protocols), Jack Ginnivan (soreness) and Beau McCreery (hip) to all be available.

Darcy Cameron is in doubt though, suffering a possible cracked rib that will be scanned in coming days.

McRae said the Magpies should learn plenty from a big match against a quality opponent away from home.

"We walk away without the four points. Are we disappointed? Yes. Do we need to get better? Yes we do," he said.

"But I think we've learnt a lot about ourselves tonight about taking more risks when we're down.

"Let's be braver and be prepared to fail having a crack at it instead of being back on our haunches. That's our message."