Darcy Moore will return to a Collingwood backline that has barely skipped a beat without its general.

While all the focus ahead of Thursday night's AFL blockbuster against Hawthorn has been on Scott Pendlebury and his need for a rest, regaining Moore is a massive boost for the Magpies.

All those questions about Collingwood's prospects this season have been muted in the wake of their record Anzac Day win over Essendon.

Their attack finally clicked and they kicked more than 100 points for the first time since round 18 last season.

But equally, the Bombers were strangled and could only manage three goals to halftime, in sunny MCG conditions.

Thursday night's contest at the same venue will be only the second game this season for Moore, who has struggled with injuries.

"He's a crucial, important part of our backline. Once he comes back, he will be a superstar and he'll do what he does best ... bigger and stronger," said fellow defender Brayden Maynard.

In Moore's absence, Collingwood have conceded more than 100 points only once this season and that was against the defending premiers - the Brisbane Lions.

"We have a great backline and we rely heavily on just being 'dirty', being physical and just trying getting the ball to ground," Maynard told AAP.

"Every opportunity you can, you either have to win it or halve it. We did that really well (against Essendon).

"We were so connected out there ... it felt so good to be a part of it.

"We've had pretty strong defence since 'Fly' (coach Craig McRae) came in. It was a great day to be able to show off our defence."

Anzac Day was extra-special for Maynard because he was acting captain.

"It was actually my first win as captain. Far out - I just love being able to lead the boys out," he said.

"It's been unfortunate that Darcy has been out for a bit, but we have myself and 'Whisper' (fellow vice-captain Nick Daicos) - we're leading from the front, doing our best.

"To captain on a day like (that) was very, very special."

While the win was complete, the five-day break to the Hawthorn game meant there was little time to bask in their success.

And at 6-1, the Hawks will ask searching questions of Collingwood and their renewed confidence.

"We just have to be on from the start - they're one of the best teams in the competition, if not the best," Maynard said.

"But we have serious belief in what we're doing."