Collingwood assistant coach Robert Harvey believes the club isn't in a position to offer up any excuses should the 2018 season go pear-shaped.
With the club looking to end a gradual decline under head coach Nathan Buckley, Harvey says the club is in full control of how far they go this season and Saturday's JLT clash assured they were trending in a positive manner.
“It has been a really good summer, and with only two JLT games, the pressure is on to get yourself going a bit earlier,” he told SEN’s Time On.
“It was nice to see a few things come to the table on the weekend, and obviously our draw in the front half of the season will really test us.
“It is all there for us and there will be no excuses with how we play.
“We will have a good team out there, so all the excuses will be off the table.
“The ball is in our court to get it done.”
While the club has an extensive injury list heading into round one, Harvey added James Aish and Alex Fasolo will be available for selection against the Hawks while Jamie Elliott and Daniel Wells are also on track for an early season return.