Collingwood coach Craig McRae has confirmed there are "some decisions that need to be made" for the Magpies' final selection call ahead of Sunday's clash with Adelaide.
McRae has welcomed the return of veteran Jeremy Howe for the Round 15 meeting at the MCG, with the high-flying defender making his return from a forearm fracture sustained in the club's season-opening win over Geelong in March.
Forward Jamie Elliott has also been named to make his comeback from a shoulder injury in will be a double boost for McRae's side with the pair of timely returns.
Howe's inclusion has produced a "good problem" for Collingwood's selection committee, with recruit Billy Frampton now no certainty of playing against his former club despite a strong opening nine matches in the black and white since defecting from West Lakes.
Both Howe and Frampton have the ability to play in the forward line, however the former hasn't been utilised in an attacking role since swapping Melbourne for Collingwood at the end of 2015.
Frampton has been named on Collingwood's extended bench for Sunday's affair, with McRae admitting he's "not sure where he fits at the moment".
"There's some decisions that need to be made. It's a good problem to have," McRae told reporters on Friday.
"Bill has been really important to us. I'm not sure where he fits at the moment, we'll work through that.
"It puts pressure on players to perform and I think that's a good thing."
Exciting forward Jack Ginnivan and fringe midfielder Fin Macrae were also listed alongside Howe and Elliott as inclusions for Round 15, however the young pair join Frampton in being among the eight Magpies named on the interchange prior to Friday's selection cut.
Ginninvan was a late out for Collingwood's King's Birthday loss to Melbourne and remains no certainty to walk back into the club's starting side following their bye.
"He's another one that's in that mix, to go 'okay, where does he fit' for this week?" McRae said of his sprightly forward.
"Long term? I'm not sure. We'll just deal with this week at the moment.
"He's an important player to us. He's clever, he's dangerous, he creates opportunities. He's different to the other forwards we've got."
Fin Macrae will be considered for his first game of 2023 after a dominant run of form at the VFL level this year. Reports emerged this week that Macrae has become a potential trade target for rival clubs given his lack of opportunity in the senior side this year.
His coach revealed the pair are in constant dialogue, with McRae warning any incoming player to take their chance when it's provided.
"I probably speak to Fin, Trent Biano, Josh Carmichael and Reef McInnes more than anyone else on the list," the Magpies coach said.
"These guys are performing above the level of VFL, and they're on the edge (of selection). Their time will come. Using a cricket analogy; when that snick comes through to the slips be ready to catch it.
"I just want them to be ready to grab their opportunity when it comes. It's difficult."
Collingwood will confirm their 22-man squad to face Adelaide at 5:00pm (AEST) on Friday.
