The Magpies return after the midseason break to face the Swans at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 20 June under the lights.

Collingwood will want to solidify itself inside the top-eight with a win over Sydney, a side having an indifferent year and desperately looking for a win.

After three wins on the trot, the Magpies have a close-to-complete playing list with only John McCarthy sidelined with a hamstring injury which will keep him from playing competitive football for the next few weeks.

The VFL Magpies performance on the weekend was disappointing after taking a 13-point lead into the final term over Werribee to eventually lose by 17-points.

The two positives to emerge from the match were the returns of Paul Medhurst and Anthony Rocca.  While both players had little impact on the play, they could be a chance for a senior recall this week.

Returning players
Paul Medhurst:  He played 50% of the match and managed nine disposals and four marks.  The forward made his return from an ankle injury sustained in round six and was held goalless in the VFL loss on Saturday.

Anthony Rocca:  The veteran forward made his return from a knee injury, which forced him to miss the last few weeks of football.  Rocca kicked one goal from three set shots and finished the day with 11 possessions.

Potential call-ups
Ben Reid:  The tall utility has rapidly improved as a backman in the VFL this year and could play his third senior game this season if Nathan Brown remains hampered by a knee injury sustained last round.  Reid has impressed coaches with his ability to win the ball down back as he did on the weekend finishing the match with 17 possessions.

Cameron Wood:  The ruckman played as a forward on the weekend and booted a team-high three goals.  Wood could be brought in as a back-up to Josh Fraser to counter Sydney’s Darren Jolly who is enjoying a career-high year in disposals, goals and hitouts per game.

Points to consider
The VFL Magpies have a week off which means if Medhurst or Rocca don’t play this week in Sydney, both players will miss another week of football.

Collingwood’s recent history against Sydney is impressive having won the past six contests including three at ANZ Stadium.