Collingwood ruckman Josh Fraser failed to join the main group at the Magpies' special training session at the MCG on Wednesday and veteran forward Anthony Rocca was also a notable absentee.

But Pies assistant coach Mark Neeld insists there's no concern with Fraser's fitness and described Rocca, who aggravated a chronic ankle injury in the club's qualifying final loss to St Kilda, as a 'chance' to recover in time for Saturday's semi-final clash with Adelaide.

Neeld dismissed speculation that Fraser, who was soundly beaten by Saints Steven King and Michael Gardiner working in tandem last Sunday, had been hampered by an ongoing knee complaint.

"I think his knee's fine," said Neeld ahead of training.

"It's not unusual three days after a game to have ruckmen and key position players not join in the session fully and Josh is two games or three games back from a knee injury, so he's on his own individual program, so I wouldn't read too much into that."

"Our sports science staff are saying he's right to go, and if they say he's right to go he's right to go."

"Like Josh, Anthony won't train with the whole group, but he's a chance to play."

Neeld said there would be no wholesale changes this week and that the match committee would adopt its customary 'horses for courses' policy at the selection table.

He said that backup ruckman Cameron Wood, who played the best game of his career when rucking solo in Fraser's absence in the Magpies' Round 19 victory over the Crows at AAMI Stadium, was certain to come under consideration.

"If we believe as a match committee that certain players need to play against Adelaide because they suit their style or suit their match-ups, that's the way we'll go," Neeld said.

"We've got one certainty out in Scott Pendlebury, but I can't see there being wholesale changes."

"(Sharrod) Wellingham will come into contention, Marty Clarke played really well (in the VFL), Ryan Cook played well, Danny Stanley had near on 40 possessions and kicked a few goals - he won the clearances and had more clearances in that game than anyone else."

"So there's a fistful and Brad Dick, although not a midfielder, kicked five goals, so he'll have to come under consideration as well."