Ladder-leading Collingwood could welcome the return of captain Nick Maxwell for Saturday's AFL clash against Richmond at the MCG.

Maxwell has missed the past four games since he injured a calf muscle in the round-12 draw with Melbourne but could be close to pushing for a recall.

"He's likely to be in the selection mix," a club spokesman said on Monday.

Collingwood's thrashing of St Kilda moved them into top spot on the ladder and they are in such rude health that experienced trio Josh Fraser, Paul Medhurst and Shane O'Bree are playing in the VFL.

The Magpies drew encouragement from the return of Sean Rusling in the VFL in what was his first game in about two months.

Rusling, 23, has shown promising glimpses in his 17 AFL games as a speedy forward but has not played a senior game since round one of 2008 because of injuries.

Rusling has endured a series of shoulder problems but has just returned from a calf problem.

Small forward Brad Dick is also close to becoming available after a shoulder injury, while key forward Travis Cloke will miss the clash with the Tigers because of suspension.

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