Fringe Collingwood tall Nathan Kreuger is firmly in the mix to return to AFL level as the reigning premiers continue to deal with their decimated squad at selection.
Hamstring and calf injuries have plagued the opening half of Kreuger's 2024 campaign, with the former Geelong swingman making just three appearances in the VFL so far this year.
The 24-year-old returned to form last weekend against Footscray with three goals from 11 disposals and eight marks, with his best efforts coming at a time when coach Craig McRae potentially searches for a new tall forward target.
Athletic forward Ash Johnson struggled to have an impact in last Thursday's loss to the Western Bulldogs in the absence of the injured Brody Mihocek, Mason Cox, Jamie Elliott and Reef McInnes.
While McInnes is set to be available to come into the side to face Melbourne on Monday after being cleared from concussion protocols, both he and Kreuger could be contending for the same spot or replace Johnson in the senior side.
In the eyes of his captain Darcy Moore, Kreuger is certainly pressing his case for a recall after an injury-interrupted period.
"He's been great," Moore said on Wednesday.
"He's obviously had some injury concerns early in the season and he's been back out on the field the last few weeks. He really delivered on the weekend.
"We've got some personnel out, some key forwards and taller personnel in front of the ball.
"There's opportunities there. That's something we'll look at for sure, bringing someone like him in.
"We've got plenty of options. We've tried some guys in different roles across the field over the last few weeks. Always with a bit of change there are some issues, but equally, by the same token, it's exciting.
"I'm sure we'll try something new on Monday."
Kreuger last played under McRae in Round 7 last year, another game that saw him struck down by injury.
Setbacks have kept the South Australian to seven games in his two seasons in the black and white, including two finals appearances during 2022.
Fellow forward Will Hoskin-Elliott is also in consideration to return for the King's Birthday clash with the Demons following his hamstring injury.
The Magpies could have Scott Pendlebury (bicep), Jordan De Goey (abdominal), Brody Mihicek (hamstring), Tom Mitchell (foot) and Joe Richards (foot) in the next three weeks.
