The addition of Adam Treloar to Collingwood's midfield will help make the Magpies more unpredictable, skipper Scott Pendlebury says.

Treloar impressed in his first match for the Magpies in last week's NAB Challenge match against the Western Bulldogs, racking up 26 disposals and two goals after spending much of the pre-season in rehab following groin surgery.

The Greater Western Sydney recruit has fitted in seamlessly at Collingwood, according to Pendlebury.

"He spoke for himself last week when he played and he showed just how good he is going to be for our football club," Pendlebury said.

"We've got a lot of grunt inside the contest and he adds that pace and run and carry and finish that we need.

"He's just so classy and I'm looking forward to playing with him this year."

Treloar joins a midfield that is now stocked with plenty of depth, with Pendlebury tipping Taylor Adams to grow again and Levi Greenwood to excel after a full pre-season.

The improved midfield depth may also allow Pendlebury to spend more time in other areas of the ground, especially after a "faultless" pre-season.

"Flexibility for all players is going to be crucial this year with the rotation cap going down," Pendlebury said.

"I'd say I'll be 80 per cent through the midfield and 20 per cent down back this year."



Pendlebury joins the 17 other AFL captains at on the surface at Etihad Stadium.

Pendlebury also backed the timing of coach Nathan Buckley's contract extension.

The Magpies announced on Tuesday that they had added another year to Buckley's deal, meaning he will continue as coach until at least the end of 2017.

"It's a great show of faith by the footy club and also in the direction we're heading in," Pendlebury said.

"The club didn't need the pressure on Bucks if things dragged out and there was speculation over his job.

"It's great for Bucks, it's great for the football club and it's great for the players."

Collingwood opens its season against the Sydney Swans at the SCG on March 26.



Fans of all clubs show their readiness for the home and away season to begin.



Pendlebury speaks to the media at AFL Captains Day.