Collingwood star Luke Ball says he and his team-mates need to be wary of allowing bad habits to creep in during the AFL pre-season.

The midfielder said the Magpies were beaten by a Melbourne outfit who were hungrier to win on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.

While winning pre-season matches and defending last year’s pre-season premiership were not high priorities, Ball said that was no excuse for performances below full intensity.

“The coaches stress that it’s not about the scoreboard at this time of year. It’s about getting things right,” Ball told reporters on Sunday.

“But I think you want to get in good habits and that includes winning habits.

“We’ve been able to do that the last couple of years.”

The 27-year-old said the loss to the Demons, who finished 13th last year while Collingwood were losing grand finalists, showed that a small difference in mentality could have a big impact.

“At certain stages they were first in at the ball and were able to put it on the scoreboard,” Ball said.

“It just shows how even the competition’s going to be and if you’re off your game at all, any side’s going to do some damage.”

On a positive note, the club were heartened by some good signs from some younger Magpies.

Coach Nathan Buckley has said they need to build up their depth, from about 25 players ready to perform strongly at the top level to 30-plus.

That necessity was highlighted last September, when the Magpies were hampered by injuries late in the season, while Geelong were able to peak at the right time to win the grand final.

Ball said with Collingwood already having been hit by numerous injuries over the pre-season, it was a reminder of how crucial it was that the youngsters continued to improve.

“You want to be confident going through a full season, knowing that you’ve got 30-odd players if needed, that you’re able to call on them and they are able to come in and do a role,” he said.

“I think we’re slowly getting that.

“Guys like Tom Young, Peter Yagmoor, Jackson Paine showed things last night, showed that if need be they’re going to be physically up to the challenge of AFL footy.”

Defender Harry O’Brien is expected to return from a hand injury against Adelaide on Friday night.