Fears have gone into the Collingwood camp as important key forward Brodie Mihocek was seen limping from the training track during Friday's session.
The Pies earned a week off following a breathtaking qualifying final win over Adelaide in front of a hostile crowd, and will await the result of the QClash to determine their next opponent.
In a bid to ramp up their preparations for next week's preliminary final, Craig McRae and his coaching group opted to train at twilight, putting his men through their paces in match simulation at the AIA Centre.
Early end to Brodie Mihocek’s evening at Pies training. Looked very uncomfortable at times.
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However, Mihocek, who has been battling hand and foot issues over the past couple of weeks, was seen with the trainers heading towards the sheds.
The veteran tall, who has been linked with a move to North Melbourne, while Melbourne and Sydney were mentioned last month.
Mihocek will need to prove his fitness before next Saturday's penultimate clash, whilst axed forward Dan McStay is waiting.
The performance of forward-ruck Mason Cox against the Crows will likely keep him in the senior side, while Tim Membrey has been favoured all year.
In more positive news, Jeremy Howe and Bobby Hill also continue to put their best foot forward as they look to be recalled.
Howe is overcoming a groin issue he sustained in the Round 24 match against Melbourne, but the pre-finals bye and the added week off have increased his chances of returning.
As for Hill, who was lively on the track, he will need to earn the trust back from the group after playing one half of football since Round 15.
The 2023 Norm Smith medallist can't put a foot wrong between now and next Saturday, and even then, can be used as a substitute if deemed available for selection.
It is understood that champion goalkicker and fellow goal sneak Eddie Betts has been working with Hill in the lead-up to a senior recall.
"I would pick him."
Eddie Betts provides an insight into Bobby Hill's return after spending time with the Collingwood forward.
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"I wouldn't say a secret weapon," Betts humbly said on Friday night.
"It's who I am as a person. I care about these young players. It is hard for Bobby being away from family, being isolated.
"I've been in contact with him every single day, encouraging him to go to training, work hard. He wants to play footy.
"I've been down to four training sessions, and watched him play, and he's absolutely flying.
"He's moving really well. He's in a great mental space.
"I would pick him."
