Scotland became a regular for the Magpies in 2002, playing 19 matches through the season, including fourteen consecutively after Round 12. He played in all of Collingwood's finals matches, including the Grand Final loss against Brisbane. In 2003, he fell out of favour again, playing only sporadically throughout most of the season; however, he gained selection again in Round 20, and played every game for the rest of the year, including another Grand Final loss against Brisbane, which was his last game for Collingwood.