For Clinton Young, a win against former side Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday would be the "icing on the cake".

It's been one and half years since Young crossed from the Hawks to Collingwood as a free agent, but a frustrating run with injury has meant he is yet to line up against his premiership teammates.

Young spent eight years at Hawthorn and was a key part of the club's 2008 premiership win over Geelong.

Despite his history with the Hawks and close friendships with Grant Birchall, Jordan Lewis and Jarryd Roughead, to name a few, the 28-year-old is comfortable in Black and White.

"I was more of an observer last year unfortunately, but this year I feel really part of it," Young said.

"It's been a year and half since I made the move, and it's my first experience against them. If we can get the win it would be icing on the cake."

Young's first year at Collingwood did not go to plan. He was plagued by calf and hamstring injuries, limiting the dashing wingman to just two games.

He has played 11 of 12 this season, averaging 18.4 disposals and a career high 3.3 tackles per game.

"It comes down to having a good pre-season. I've been up and going since November and things have been going well," Young said.

"Being part of the team week after week has been good, and it's great to share some knowledge with some of the young players coming through."

Collingwood is keen to atone for a disappointing eight-point loss to the Western Bulldogs last week and strengthen its finals credentials against the Hawks.

"We've had a couple of losses that we were really disappointed with, and last week was no different," Young said.

"There were certain areas of the game that we didn't perform well in, so we'll be looking to bounce back this week and there's no better way to do that than come out against the reigning premiers and try to sort that out.

"We've been priding ourselves on our defence and I think we let that slip (last) weekend."