Collingwood coach Jared Rivers is looking at the positives following his side’s defeat to Northern Blues on Saturday.

A goal to Patrick Kerr at the 28-minute mark of the fourth term saw the Magpies leave Victoria Park empty-handed after playing from in front for most of the afternoon.

Despite the result, Rivers said that he was pleased with his side’s improved performance from the first two rounds.

“I thought we started off really well, our intent in the first quarter was promising,” Rivers said.

“The players stood up. We had a much-improved team performance this week compared to the last two.

“If we work for each other like we did with the intent to help each other out we’re going to be in more games than not."

Rivers said that he was largely satisfied with the way the Pies performed their roles within the team. He pointed out some particularly impressive individuals from the match.

“I thought Max Lynch was really good in the ruck again. He’s progressing well and playing his role each week.

“Wellsy – with ball in hand was really good again, his ability to find a target inside-50 definitely helped us.

“Reidy was our main forward on the day, his aerial presence was super as well.”

The Pies were a man short for most of the match, as Flynn Appleby was injured early in the first quarter and played no further part in the match. The nature of his injury will become known during the week.

Things don’t get easier for the Pies as they seek their second win of the season. Next week they travel to Windy Hill to play Essendon.

The Bombers sit on top of the VFL ladder despite having played just two matches.

Ben Crocker gets a kick away under pressure. Photo: Shane Barrie.