Luke Ball reckons the Magpies were flat in their 75-point opening-round win over Port Adelaide and significantly better in Saturday's 87-point trouncing of North Melbourne.

And the Magpies will need to improve still further when they tackle fellow pacesetters and arch-rivals Carlton at the MCG on Friday night.

The Magpies and the Blues hold down the top spots on the ladder after the opening two rounds, both with percentages above 200.

"It's a good start to the year, two and zip, but the pleasing thing was that we improved from the week before and that will be the plan again on Friday night," midfield star Ball said on Monday.

"Despite the margin we played a bit better than we did the week before. We felt we were a bit flat at times (against Port Adelaide)."

Carlton warmed up for Friday night's clash by ruining Gold Coast's debut with a 119-point annihilation at the Gabba.

"No doubt it's a big game and our opponents are going really well," Ball said of Carlton.

"They looked super-impressive on Saturday night. All their good players are up and playing well.

"They're two and zip as well so it augurs well for a big game.

"I think they'll certainly get themselves up to play well, you always want to play well against the reigning premier.

"They're a very good side, they played finals last year and they've already come out and publicly stated this year that they want to go better and win a final.

"We're under no illusion this year that when you're the reigning premier sides are out to test themselves against you."

Collingwood will unfurl the 2010 premiership flag before the opening bounce at the MCG on Friday night, having played their first two games across town at Etihad Stadium.

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