Collingwood won’t take a backward step when they face off against Hawthorn in Friday night’s blockbuster at the MCG, Magpies coach Nathan Buckley says.

The Hawks have returned to their unsociable best over the past month and Buckley is backing his young side to meet the stern physical challenge presented by the reigning premiers.

Brodie Grundy, Levi Greenwood and Darcy Moore are in the frame for selection at Collingwood but Ben Reid will likely miss with a corked calf and Tyson Goldsack is out with a knee injury.