Collingwood is set to welcome back star duo Jordan De Goey and Scott Pendlebury for Saturday's clash against Hawthorn at the MCG.
But that's not the only positive injury update Pies coach Craig McRae gave at his Thursday press conference.
Jeremy Howe (arm), Brayden Maynard (knee/hamstring) and Patrick Lipinski (calf) put together a solid session at Olympic Park, while Harry Perryman is also working his way back from a hamstring injury.
"We've got a few guys that are really taking a big step forward this week," McRae said.
"I think that group applies, and maybe there might be one other more likely to be available next week, let alone the week after. So we'll have to assess that.
"Like we stood here last week, saying that Pendles might be a week, and he's back. We'll just have to let the week be the week. But all those guys look like they've really progressed well this way."
McRae also spoke on the club's ability to manage players leading into the final, but noted the injury list and the youth needed in the senior side.
"Well, it's a nice luxury to have if you can, but we've had a lot of injuries," he said.
"We're sort of doing the opposite. We're sort of just getting our bodies right, ready for what's coming next. Yeah, there might be a touch and go situation with a couple that you go, hey, look, it's going to be really sore playing, and there comes a time that you're just going to have to do that."
The Collingwood coach was quizzed on Pendlebury's future at the club amid enquiries from Essendon and Gold Coast in recent weeks.
The Pies and the V/AFL games record holder have agreed to hold off on a decision until the end of the season, but McRae would love to have his "on-field coach" in the black and white once again.
"To have somebody that is live coaching our team is such an asset for all of us, and then his performances would warrant that he's playing at a level that suggests he could do it," McRae said.
" Now he only-he's the only one knows his body and what he's capable of, and how we manage it with a resting or week-to-week on the field. So there's a lot to consider. Certainly, would miss him."
