In-form Fremantle defender Chris Tarrant, his former side Collingwood and that set of steak knives are set to be reunited in Saturday's AFL game at the MCG.

The Magpies believe small forward Paul Medhurst is a good chance to play his first game since he suffered an ankle injury in round six.

Medhurst was considered the set of steak knives when Collingwood and Fremantle traded Tarrant for draft pick No.8 at the end of 2006, but the former Docker struck career-best form with the Magpies.

Medhurst returned via the VFL recently and was an emergency for Saturday night's win over Sydney and Collingwood football chief Geoff Walsh expected him to train at full pace this week.

"Paul will do everything this week and he'll put his hand up for selection," Walsh said on Monday.

"He put his hand up last week and fortunately for us we were in a position that we'd been able to string a few (good) games together and he just missed, but didn't miss by much.

"He's missed a lot of footy, but (has had) 10 to 14 days of training, and he did play in the VFL the week before last, so conditioning-wise he's around about the mark."

Tarrant, whose shift to the backline this year has rejuvenated his career, suffered a minor shoulder strain against Geelong in Sunday's game at Subiaco, but is expected to play his old side.

Collingwood confirmed on Monday midfielder Scott Pendlebury would likely miss three games because of a knee injury he suffered against the Swans.

Pendlebury strained the medial ligament in his left knee when his leg was trapped underneath the body of Sydney's Ryan O'Keefe, but was lucky the injury was not more serious.

"With a strained medial ligament it could be anywhere between a super positive situation (where) he might miss only one week, but it's more likely to be in the realms of two, possibly three games," Walsh said.

"So all in all it's a pretty good result given they always look nasty and you fear the worst with knee injuries."

Forward John Anthony (corked hip) and tall defender Nathan Brown (knee soreness) are both expected to be available to play Fremantle.

But Collingwood have not put a date on veteran forward Anthony Rocca returning, as he was sore after playing in the VFL on June 13 having returned from foot and ankle problems.

"He's going forward slowly in a preparation sense and we want to make sure, as he does, that he's cherry ripe to go for his next assault on senior footy," Walsh said.

"He's getting towards that."

Rocca has played three AFL games this season, the last in round seven.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP