Collingwood insist veteran forward Anthony Rocca can overcome his history of ankle troubles and cause havoc in the AFL finals.

Rocca, 31, developed Achilles soreness after a VFL game on June 13 and has been ruled out of the next three AFL games so he can work on a program aimed at getting him playing the last three home and away matches.

Rocca has played only three games this season, having also had his 2008 season ended by an ankle injury and his 2005 campaign ruined by a ruptured Achilles tendon.

But Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse was hopeful Rocca could still play a part in the Magpies' 2009 campaign, after sitting out the next three games and then returning via the VFL.

"If we're fortunate enough to go into the finals at least he can get two or three games under his belt with the finals in mind," Malthouse said on Thursday.

"If he comes out of this the next three weeks and he's ready to play and play some good footy, then you don't discount a bloke who can mark like he can and cause general mayhem in the forward line.

"We're looking forward to getting him back."

Rocca is out of contract at the end of the season, but Malthouse was not prepared to discuss the 219-game veteran's future beyond this season.

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