Collingwood won't be flirting with their AFL form or selection against North Melbourne on Sunday despite the match having little impact on their finals positioning.
The sixth-placed Magpies are certain to finish fifth or sixth, which either way means a home elimination final.
But after impressing in winning four of their past five games, coach Nathan Buckley said it was vital they maintained that standard.
He said experimenting in any way that might affect their form wasn't an option.
"It's not even in our consideration," Buckley told reporters on Thursday.
"We come up against an opponent who's performed really well this year.
"We've been ramping up for a month - we've shown better form.
"We've got some momentum and we want to take advantage of it."
He said whether North Melbourne were still in finals contention by the time Sunday's game arrives, which depends on results earlier in the weekend, meant nothing to Collingwood.
"Clearly the biggest focus for us is the way we want to play our footy," Buckley said.
"It's a really good opportunity to tune up and to display our best football going into a finals series."
Luke Ball, who was subbed out with a calf injury against West Coast last Friday night, did not train on Friday and remains in doubt for the Kangaroos clash.
But reigning best and fairest Dayne Beams is expected to return after being a late withdrawal with back soreness against the Eagles.
