Collingwood could regain four players for Friday night's AFL match against Fremantle as Ben Reid also said he would play.

Key forward Chris Dawes is a chance to return after damaging a knuckle in round 15.

Leon Davis (soreness) and Andrew Krakouer (quad) were among five forced changes to the Collingwood side for Saturday night's unconvincing win over Brisbane.

They are rated strong chances for the trip to Perth and Sharrod Wellingham will probably have a fitness test after injuring his groin in round 21.

Reid was subbed out of Saturday night's game in the third term after falling heavily on his back.

"I was assessed by the doctors in the rooms and they thought it would be best if I didn't return," Reid told the club website.

"I have pulled up pretty good and the soreness in my back has gone so I will be fine for the Fremantle trip."

Meanwhile, coach Mick Malthouse says they will use a series of practice matches over the next few weeks to help players who are trying to return for the finals.

Heath Shaw is among them, with the defender back from a training trip to Arizona as he approaches the end of his eight-week suspension.

The season is over for Collingwood's VFL affiliate, meaning they must use in-house matches to prepare players for their AFL returns.

"We hope to get some good time into players such as Heath Shaw, Sharrod Wellingham, Chris Dawes and Nick Maxwell," Malthouse said.

"When they are all available to come back we will throw them through the practice matches.

"They are still bashing bodies, still having to take marks under pressure, and run and kick and so forth."

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