Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse says big forward Anthony Rocca will not play in the Magpies' season opener against Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday.

Malthouse said the veteran trained well on Monday, but his failure to play a practice match at any level over the pre-season counted against him.

Rocca, who is working his way back from an ankle injury, will make his return with Collingwood's VFL side on Friday night.

"He won't play against Adelaide," Malthouse said on Tuesday.

"He's not far away, we're delighted with the way he trained yesterday.

"Yesterday's training performance may have certainly changed my mind, but we've got to be mindful of the fact that he hasn't had enough football."

Meanwhile, the club has announced a new two-year sponsorship deal with Aussie Home Loans.

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