Nathan Buckley says the unprecedented test Collingwood's young leaders are currently facing as the Magpies' season reaches a crucial stage, is a positive for the future of the club.

Buckley acknowledged the Pies haven't played their best football since their round 13 loss to the Western Bulldogs, and described their worst as "barely competitive".

He said there were plenty of elements – contest, ball movement and defence – that were falling down in their game, while getting their endeavour right was a priority.

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Buckley said the challenge of putting Sunday's disastrous loss to West Coast behind them and turning things around would leave the leaders in good stead.

"We've got a really young leadership group that are being tested now unlike ever before – Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Beams, Toovey, Goldsack," Buckley said on Tuesday.

"They've been involved in a Collingwood that hasn't been in this position for their entire career basically.

"They're being tested and that's an opportunity for growth for us.

"The leaders have put the heat on themselves and on their teammates.

"We're still in the hunt. There's five teams competing for two spots, pretty much – two above us and two below us.

"West Coast and Richmond are on a run and we had our run earlier in the year, which has qualified us in the position we're in at the moment.

"We just need to perform."

Buckley said he believed the Pies performed "above expectations" earlier in the season, although admitted they always believed they were capable of the type of football they were playing.

He said it was his belief in the coaching staff at the club that made it possible for things to turn around again.

Dane Swan and Ben Sinclair are expected to be available this week, which will boost their experience against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night.