Collingwood expects Port Adelaide to be galvanised by the sudden death of its former assistant coach Phil Walsh.

Coach Nathan Buckley says the Magpies empathised with Power coach Ken Hinkley's struggles to concentrate on the game given the tragic circumstances surrounding Walsh's death, but he had a reassuring message for him.

"One thing I can assure Ken is that once he gets to the ground with his players and his coaches with a job to do, they will be galvanised towards that," Buckley said on Wednesday.

Buckley said, even with the emotion surrounding the clash, Collingwood expected the game to be played in good spirit.

"I think what happens is [Walsh's death] puts a bit of perspective in footy - we have all got the connection to our clubs and to our teams and to our players and coaches internally, but you probably take a step back and reflect and see the bigger picture," Buckley said.

"We're all part of the football community."

Walsh played for Collingwood in 1983 and spent two stints at Port Adelaide before he became Adelaide coach this year.

Buckley said Thursday night's contest was important, with his team coming off two narrow losses, against Fremantle and Hawthorn.

However, he said the bigger picture of what was being built remained high in the club's thinking.

"Our best footy stacks up," Buckley said.

"We can trouble sides with our strengths and we can cover for each other at other times. It has been a really positive period for us."

Buckley said champion midfielder Dane Swan's 250th game milestone had huge significance for the club.

"Swannie has been his own man throughout the whole team. People love him and admire him. They get a good laugh out of him externally and internally, but he has been one of the most consistent players that I have witnessed over the past 10 years," Buckley said.

"He continues to bring his best to the table, and his teammates and the club love him for it."

While Swan has been a mainstay at the Magpies, Buckley admitted the performance of recruit Travis Varcoe had surprised him to some extent.

He said he'd be lying if he didn't admit to being floored by Varcoe's ability to provide repeat efforts and his endurance.

"When we bring people in, whether they be draftees or trades, we're trying to improve the list. Trav was a premiership player who came in with 140 games experience and run and dash," Buckley said.

"His leadership has been first-class, his understanding of his contribution to the way the team comes together has been excellent … I expected a fair bit, but we have got more than that."