Collingwood Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill is shaping up as a genuine recall for the club's preliminary final in two weeks' time after dominating a practice match on Saturday.
Hill has largely been absent over the past two months due to personal reasons, and has played one half of football since Round 15.
But in a bid to feature in the Pies' premiership push, the gun small forward is doing everything in his power, which included having a day out in the practice run against Geelong.
Hill brought his "trademark spark" to Kardinia Park against the Cats, kicking four goals and playing across the entire ground, with his speed and pressure also noticeable.
Axed key forward Dan McStay responded to his senior dropping, after he made way for Mason Cox in Thursday's qualifying final.
"The tall forward impacted the contest strongly on numerous occasions, bringing the ball to ground and allowing the likes of Bobby Hill and Finlay Macrae to hit the scoreboard," a Collingwood statement said.
"The 196cm forward also took a number of contested marks and kicked a classy snap goal early in the clash. McStay also spent time in the ruck when Oscar Steene was on the interchange."
Tom Mitchell also impressed with his contested ball work and transition running.
Mitchell has been kept out of the side in recent weeks, despite overcoming a serious plantar fascia injury. The emergence of Ned Long and the return of Jordan De Goey have largely kept him in the reserves.
Roan Steele also featured in the scratch match on top of his limited minutes in the senior side.
Fellow mid-season draftee Noah Howes spent time in the backline, while emerging ruckman Oscar Steene shouldered the majority of the load in the absence of Iliro Smit and Cox.
