Collingwood's commanding 83-point victory on Wednesday night gave Magpies supporters plenty to smile about, especially with the form of new recruit Dan Houston, who was excellent in his first game in the black and white.

Having come across from Port Adelaide during the 2024 trade period, Houston demonstrated last night that he will be a pivotal piece to the Magpies' finals aspirations, as they look to return to finals after missing out last year.

The Magpies gave up their 2025 first-round pick and promising youngster Joe Richards, as well as speedster John Noble, to bring across the two-time All-Australian to bolster the half-back line already consisting of Isaac Quaynor and Brayden Maynard.

In a strong first performance in Collingwood colours, Houston proved to be vital in allowing the Magpies to rebound out of defence and helped set up attacking forays that allowed Collingwood to kick 21 goals.

Known for his composure under pressure and his confidence by foot, the boom recruit was directly involved in five scoring chains, as well as having three inside 50s.

The 27-year-old formed a lethal rebounding combination gun Quaynor, with the pair registering a combined nine rebound 50s and 12 intercept possessions.

While his work in defence was pleasing, his ability to push up the ground and use his booming right foot to hit the scoreboard means that they now have another avenue to goal, making their scoring potential more dangerous as they push to be a premiership contender this season.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 26: Dan Houston of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the 2025 AFL AAMI Community Series match between the Richmond Tigers and the Collingwood Magpies at Ikon Park on February 26, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 26: Dan Houston of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the 2025 AFL AAMI Community Series match between the Richmond Tigers and the Collingwood Magpies at Ikon Park on February 26, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

With Maynard battling plantar fasciitis in the lead-up to the season, the strong pre-season showing of Houston means that when Maynard is available the Magpies will have a powerful trio of small defenders ready to tackle the best of the small forwards in the AFL competition this year.

While the midfield dominated through excellent performances by Patrick Lipinski and Nick Daicos, the display of new recruits Houston and Tim Membrey will have Magpie supporters buoyed with confidence for their Opening Round clash against the Giants at Engie Stadium.