Fraser likely to return for Pies

Collingwood number one ruckman Josh Fraser is expected to make a timely return from his knee injury for Friday night's eagerly anticipated preliminary final re-match against Geelong at the MCG.

Magpies' deputy vice-captain Nick Maxwell said Fraser trained strongly on Tuesday and should return for this week's clash - after missing last week's win over St Kilda with a knee injury sustained while playing for Victoria.

The likely return of Fraser is a huge boost for the Pies, particularly knowing they got within five points of the all-conquering Cats in last year's preliminary final without Fraser, who was absent that night with a back injury.

And in contrast the man that destroyed the Pies' flag hopes in that game - in Fraser's absence - Geelong number one ruckman Brad Ottens is unlikely to play on Friday night due to the foot injury that has plagued him all season.

Ottens was the difference between the two teams in last year's epic preliminary final with his 23 disposals, 24 hit-outs, nine marks and one goal proving decisive in the Cats' five-point win.

Maxwell said the Pies were confident of again troubling the Cats on Friday night, particularly with Fraser a likely starter and Ottens an unlikely starter for the Cats in a reversal of both team's ruck stocks from last year's preliminary final.

"You do have to take confidence from the fact we did push them a long way last year," he said.

"I think when everyone at Collingwood is working together and doing the right things for each other, we can beat anyone."

Maxwell also said a packed MCG would suit the Magpies - who regularly play on the big stage compared to a Geelong side that, apart from last year's finals series, has only played three home and away games at the MCG in two years.

"We do like to play on the big stage, I think we get used to it but Geelong don't play at the MCG as often as us so we do get used to playing in front of big crowds," he said.