A win is a win.

That was the message from Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley after a 69-point victory over Essendon on ANZAC Day.

Although given the Bombers' plight it wasn't a time for cartwheels, but the coach was entitled to rest a little easier going in at half-time with a 76-point lead.

"We have still got a lot of work to do," Buckley said.

"With the position we're in right now, we'll take the win. We'll take the steps forward knowing there are plenty to go." 

A record first-quarter score against Essendon at the MCG built on the positive signs that had emerged a week earlier in the loss to Melbourne and put the result beyond doubt.

Collingwood's second win of the season had some highlights.

Steele Sidebottom won the ANZAC Day Medal after kicking four first-half goals despite feeling "crook in the guts" and vomiting before the game.

American Mason Cox kicked the first goal of the game on debut and young rookie Josh Smith impressed on the big stage in his first game, kicking a goal and picking up 23 disposals.

Buckley said finding the right time to play Cox was the challenge, as it was with any player, but he was pleased with what he gave the team and his competitiveness in the ruck.

He said the Magpies would take some confidence from showing it could play the way it wanted to play and he was happy for his team to win their second game of the season and stay in touch with the top eight.

"Any win is going to be crucial and right now for where we sit it was an important performance," Buckley said.  

"We clearly have a lot of improvement against any opposition going forward because we can't afford to take a half-step back."