Collingwood were dealt a sobering reality check by their heavy AFL pre-season loss to Adelaide, coach Nathan Buckley says.

“It just shows at this early stage of the season how much we rely on our best 22 compared to other sides,” Buckley said after their 77-point loss to the Crows on Friday night.

Collingwood fielded a largely inexperienced side but the Magpie mentor refused “to give my players or my club that out”.

“You could easily put it down to personnel but we’re not going to use that,” he said.

“We expect everyone that puts on a Collingwood guernsey to perform at the level required and be able to fulfill their role.

“Take the scoreboard away – in key areas that we pride ourselves in and that we believe we have been very good in, we weren’t able to reach the standard.”

Buckley struggled to find positives but was adamant his team would still be well prepared for the premiership season.

“We’re trying to find a positive amongst obviously a whole lot of challenges that are going to come out of it,” he said.

“There is not a great deal for us to take out of it, other than realise that if you’re not at your best, you’re going to be exposed.

“The only positive that I can take out of it is we have exposed a further depth in our list to what AFL football looks and feels like, albeit in a pre-season format.

“But if you don’t take the lessons out of an experience like this … then it’s an opportunity lost.”

Buckley also sounded a warning about the Crows, who kicked 17 goals and a super-goal to Collingwood’s four majors after quarter-time.

“We have learnt that Adelaide are going to be a pretty good side,” he said.

“They’re a very hungry team. Very good around the clinches, a very solid brand of football and move the ball very quickly. If you give them an inch, they’ll take a mile.”