Collingwood could receive a pair of selection injections ahead of its clash against Fremantle on Saturday afternoon, with star veteran Steele Sidebottom and All-Australian defender Brayden Maynard now fit to resume duties.
Maynard missed the Pies' win over the Western Bulldogs last Friday, sitting out of the Docklands clash due to an ambiguous shoulder setback.
As reported by the club, the 26-year-old stopper has thrust himself back into selection contention, having tested his shoulder in several contact drills, including tackling.
Sidebottom has not featured at senior level since twisting his knee 10 minutes into his 300th league appearance during Round 11. But like Maynard, the gun wingman has been put through his paces, proving his fitness via a strong running block and ticking several boxes in relation to the joint's function.
Both Maynard and Sidebottom will resume full training this week ahead of the Woods' date with the Dockers at the MCG.
The pair could be joined by Nathan Kreuger, with the former Cat making strides towards a return after being sidelined with a concussion.
Elsewhere at Olympic Park, forward Will Hoskin-Elliott will spend at least a month out of action after going under the knife to repair a fractured hand over the weekend. The former Giant was subbed out at half-time on Friday night and is tipped to press for a return in either Round 20 or 21.
Fellow forward Brody Mihocek is due to spend another week on the sidelines with a minor hamstring strain. The four-time leading goalkicker is expected to be back in the frame ahead of Collingwood's all-important fixture against Port Adelaide in Round 18.
Collingwood and Fremantle will do battle at the MCG at 1:45pm (AEST) on Saturday afternoon.
