Collingwood have ruled out big man Mason Cox for Friday night's clash with Port Adelaide, paving the way for Ben Reid to play his first AFL game in almost a year.
Gun forward Jamie Elliott is a certain inclusion for the Marvel Stadium clash after missing last week's game with a corked buttock.
Cox hasn't recovered from an incident on Anzac Day when Essendon's Michael Hurley trod on him, while veteran tall Reid has been summoned after a strong run of VFL form.
"That ankle just hasn't come up for us ... there's a bit of swelling and bleeding there that hasn't come down as much as we would have hoped," coach Nathan Buckley said of Cox on Wednesday.
"I don't know how heavy Michael Hurley is (94kg) but he wouldn't be light. His foot didn't slide off at all, it was right on the lower leg.
"It's enough to have Mason unavailable. He may be able to get up next week but once again we'll have to see how the injury settles over the next (week)."
The Magpies will give Reid some time in the ruck to help Brodie Grundy against imposing Port tandem Paddy Ryder and Scott Lycett.
Reid has battled soft-tissue injuries throughout the past 12 months, including one during this year's pre-season competition.
The 30-year-old last played a senior game in round 10 last season.
"I think when you've been part of the furniture at AFL level, a premiership player (in 2010), the game has changed, his role has changed and you've had the injury concerns he's had ... they're all obstacles you have to jump over at some stage throughout a career," Buckley said.
"Over the last three or four years Reidy's really been tested. But his preparation through pre-season was as strong as ever and his body's in as good a shape as it's been for a long time.
"A lot changes pretty quickly at the elite level and Mason's jumped up in front of him and Brody Mihocek's jumped up in front of him.
"This is a chance for Reidy to come in and contribute and stake his claim."
Buckley said defender James Aish, who has battled concussion symptoms over the past fortnight, would miss another week.
Injury-plagued veteran Daniel Wells is yet to convince Buckley he's ready to return at AFL level after stringing together three VFL games.
