Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse has forecast a tough week at the selection table with a raft of players building strong cases to play in the qualifying final against St Kilda at the MCG on Sunday.
Malthouse revealed on Monday veteran forward Anthony Rocca was now a 'genuine' chance to return for just his fourth senior match of the season after some strong form in the VFL, while the likes of Irishman Marty Clarke and forgotten forward Ben Reid were also firmly in the frame.
"Anthony is going to be in the mix," Malthouse said.
"I know I have said that in the last month or so, but he has performed on a wet track at the weekend on a good ground down at Geelong, got the football, was able to get his five or six shots on goal."
"We have got to make some pretty tough decisions. We are in a position to do that."
"Do we go with two ruckmen? Does Chris Dawes play? Does Anthony Rocca play?"
"Does Ben Reid play? He hasn't been in the mix for a long time but he has been in outstanding form."
"Does (Steele) Sidebottom get a game? He has been best on ground in the last two weeks."
"Do we bring in a big body like Danny Stanley (or) Ryan Cook who is a known target?"
Rocca, 32, has battled injury problems for most of the season but his return could stretch a St Kilda defence that has had the wobbles in recent weeks.
Magpies skipper Nick Maxwell said Rocca had remained upbeat through the tough times.
"He has been motivated the whole time. We know how desperate he is to get in and have an impact on our finals campaign," he said.
Malthouse admitted onballer Scott Pendlebury was no certainty to return this week after a back spasm forced his late withdrawal from the team which played the Bulldogs on Sunday.
Malthouse said he had yet to review the 24-point defeat to the Bulldogs, a result which meant the Magpies dropped from third - where they would have faced Geelong next week - to fourth.
"I have been in this game long enough to know Round 22 throws up an enormous amount of irregularities," he said.
"Some are good, some are bad. Some give you a bit of a chance to redeem yourself, others a gentle reminder of what you need to do."
"We still have an enormous amount of confidence in the group (but it was) a slap in the face, it's given us a real touch up."