COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse was more than satisfied with his side's performance after it overcame a third-term deficit to record a 21-point victory over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night.

The Pies moved into third position on the ladder after chalking up another interstate triumph, but had to start from 15 points back after the Crows continued to dictate play after the main break.

Malthouse rated the win highly against an Adelaide side also fighting for a top-four finish and was pleased with how events unfolded after half time.

"They (Adelaide) are a very well-organised, disciplined, top side and it's always a difficult task to play (them)," he said after the game.

"If you can come away with a victory under those circumstances (against such an opponent) and coming from behind, it makes for a good win."

Collingwood's victory was all the more impressive considering it lost the inside 50 count 57 to 41, but kicked 13 goals to Adelaide's nine.

At the other end, the Crows wasted several opportunities which proved costly, although Malthouse was quick to point out that other areas of the game were just as important.

"I don't think we had more options. We scored at a rate better than 50 per cent," he said.

"You may have the occasion where you get to 60 per cent and you have a blow-out, but it's very rare that you win games with a 50 per cent strike-rate and the opposition have 16 more entries.

"I guess the nature of the game has changed. We now rely more on old information to say that you shouldn't win games like that.

"That's totally incorrect in modern football. You can be down in so many of the general stats and be effective and efficient in others that count as much, if not more."

Malthouse acknowledged the work of ruckman Cameron Wood, who in the absence of the injured Josh Fraser has earned a chance to establish his place in the side.

Wood collected 19 hit-outs despite Collingwood losing the count 36 to 30, and the coach felt the youngster was developing with each game.

"He's played some very good games. I don't think there is going to be too many in his number of games so far that are going to be better than that," Malthouse said.

"He did go to Western Australia (to play West Coast) last year and was very good against Dean Cox.

"He’s growing into the position as we thought he would, but he’s going to have his ups and downs."