Collingwood booted a bizarre 13 successive behinds in the final quarter, but still cruised to a comfortable 28-point AFL practice match win over Richmond at Princes Park on Friday.

John McCarthy, John Anthony and Anthony Corrie kicked two goals each in the Magpies' 11.24 (90) to 9.8 (62) victory.

The Magpies would have won by much further if they had been able to kick straight - the match between the two undermanned teams deteriorating into a strange final term in which Collingwood scored 0.13.

The only goal of the quarter came just before the siren, when Richmond's Relton Roberts found the big sticks.

McCarthy was outstanding for the Pies, with 20 quality touches to go with his two goals as Collingwood led at every change and never looked in danger of defeat.

Assistant coach Scott Watters, who coached the side under Mick Malthouse's pre-season rotation policy, said while the goalkicking accuracy was a concern there were plenty of positives in the Pies' dominant performance.

"Their endeavour was good for four quarters, they've come away healthy, so it was a positive day," Watters said.

"At one point it was nine inside-50s to one (in the final quarter) which is a good thing. Did we convert as well as we'd like to? No.

"But at the start of the year, as much as you put time into goalkicking, goalkicking under pressure in a match is always one of the last things you need to refine. We'll work on that during the week."

Forward Mitch Morton booted four goals for the Tigers, who were dire in a turnover-laden first half.

Richmond improved markedly in the third term, booting four goals to two with midfielders Shane Tuck and Daniel Jackson working tirelessly.

The match also had fireworks midway through the final quarter with Richmond tagger Jake King and the much bigger Travis Cloke involved in a physical altercation after another wayward Pies shot for goal.

Both teams were heavily understrength - Collingwood without virtually their entire midfield as they rested Scott Pendlebury, Alan Didak and Dane Swan.

Richmond were without Ben Cousins, star onballer Brett Deledio and skipper Chris Newman.

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