Thanks to its Grand Final appearance last year, Ross Lyon’s side began its pre-season preparations for the 2014 season later than most.
That included Collingwood, which was bundled out in the first week of September by Port Adelaide.
Buckley said that made round 1 the best time to tackle a side many consider to be the premiership favourites.
“Ross (Lyon) has said himself they are probably three weeks shy in their pre-season, so it’s probably not a bad time to have a real crack at them,” he said.
The Magpies’ coach said key forwards Ben Reid and Jesse White, who both have calf issues, would have to prove their fitness at training.
“We will need tomorrow's training session to be positive about the make up of our 22,” Buckley said.
“We won't be taking any risk with any players.”
Buckley also hinted that veteran ruckman Ben Hudson could be called upon to combat Freo giant Aaron Sandilands, who has been in blistering pre-season form.
