Despite conceding 18 goals to the opposition, Collingwood was able to summon the heart to overcome Brisbane at the Gabba on Sunday evening.

Collingwood are 0.2 per cent outside the top eight with a 4-3 record, but coach Nathan Buckley said a lot would have to change for the Magpies to continue their winning ways.

“I can't say it was pleasant viewing from our perspective,” he said.

“It was a high-scoring shootout, there was high scores from stoppages, high scores from turnovers.

“That's the worst we've defended all year, but we were able to show enough pluck to get the job done.

“There's a lot we'll have a look at that we won't like on tape, but we get the four points and the lesson, which is a good problem to have.”

Playing their third game in 12 days, the Magpies looked like being over-run in the final term, with a Dayne Beams' goal levelling the scores after Collingwood gave up a 19-point lead.

But a Chris Mayne behind and Jaidyn Stephenson goal sealed victory.

“Our expectations are growing and there's nothing wrong with that. You’ve got to earn every win,” Buckley said.

“Our back six and our team defence just didn't hold up as well as we have for the most part of this year.

“It's not our brand on full display.”

Collingwood's task of making it five wins from six against in-form Geelong next Sunday could be made more difficult with Scott Pendlebury in doubt with an ankle injury.

The captain hobbled off in the third quarter, went to the rooms and tried to return, but failed to play the final quarter-and-a-half.

“It's a sprained ankle at this point,” Buckley said.

“He just couldn't get it going. We'll know more about that in the next day or two.

“He was fairly bullish about it but felt like he was impeded enough to not play his role, but we'll see what happens when the dust settles.”