Collingwood's decision to send some players on a mid-season Arizona trip appears to be already paying off and coach Mick Malthouse expects further benefits to flow.

Three-time best and fairest Dane Swan amassed 38 disposals and two goals to be among his side's best in Sunday's 117-point belting of North Melbourne.

It continues his improved run of form over the past three rounds since being one of the four Magpies to make the 12-day US training trip.

Before the trip, he had topped the 30-touch mark only once in six games.

Since returning, he has bettered that mark in all three games, and Malthouse said Swan's form should silence those suggesting the Arizona trip had been an extravagant use of football department money.

"I'm always bemused that people from afar or outside are prepared to pot-shot people for how much they spend, we've got a real phobia about how much people spend," Malthouse said.

"This is not complete, this is just part of the process that Dane has now (undergone), along with Darren Jolly and Brent Macaffer.

"Has it been a benefit? Immediately, one would say so. For the long term, we hope so."

Malthouse said fellow Arizona tourist Macaffer, who has not played in the senior side since fracturing a foot in round two, was close to making his senior return.

He said Macaffer would have played against the Kangaroos, if not for the Magpies' desire to give fellow forward Lachlan Keeffe, who made his AFL debut, a chance at senior level.

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