Luke Ball admits he is still finding his feet in an imposing Collingwood lineup after his controversial off-season move from St Kilda.

Ball will play his 150th AFL match in Friday night's top-of-the-table clash against Fremantle at Subiaco.

The two clubs have each won six of their first seven matches of the season.

"I've been slowly improving, starting to fit into the team pretty well," said Ball, a former Saints skipper who was picked up by the Magpies in last year's national draft.

"Clearly it helps when the team is playing pretty well and we're getting consistent contributions from all over the ground - I think that's one reason why we've had a good month.

"No-one is really standing out, it's been pretty even across the board."

It speaks volumes for the enormous strides taken by Fremantle this year that Ball can describe Friday night's clash as the toughest road trip in the AFL.

And do so with a straight face.

The Dockers have been the surprise packets of 2010, winning six of their opening seven games - including all four at home - to sit in second place, behind the Magpies on percentage only.

It's a far cry from finishing 14th in coach Mark Harvey's previous two full seasons in charge, results which had him under real pressure to hold onto his job.

Now it's just a matter of when - not if - Harvey signs a contract extension.

"It's probably the biggest trip in footy at the moment," former St Kilda skipper Ball said on Thursday.

"Fremantle are really the form side of the competition and we know that on their home deck they become an even better side.

"It's our first trip of the year as well and we're looking forward to the challenge.

"... you look at their team, the experience and the quality and the blokes they've got playing well.

"Their spine is still full of real experience with (Luke) McPharlin, (former Magpies star Chris) Tarrant, (Aaron) Sandilands, (Matthew) Pavlich, (Paul) Hasleby and these types and they've just been able to add some real quality younger players.

"They're a pretty strong all-round team at the moment."

Ball has looked more at home in each of his first seven matches in black and white since his acrimonious departure from St Kilda.

The shift has been made easier by the bullish backing he has received at every turn from Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse.

"It's fantastic to have the support of your senior coach like that," said the 25-year-old Ball.

"I think he probably understands that it can be a bit tough moving clubs and he has been really supportive of Darren (Jolly) and the other new guys as well."

Collingwood forward Paul Medhurst will miss the match against his former club due to a foot injury, with his place going to John Anthony.

Fremantle brought back Garrick Ibbotson and Alex Silvagni for Dylan Robertson (general soreness) and Kepler Bradley (omitted).

Collingwood's impressive start to 2010 meant there was still no room in the senior side for experienced duo Tarkyn Lockyer and Shane O'Bree, although Lockyer was named among the emergencies.

"The good thing about the club at the moment is the depth we've got," said Ball.

"There are guys playing really well in the VFL and the coach has certainly made it clear that no-one's spot is sacred and no-one should take their spot for granted.

"That's a real positive at a footy club."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP