Collingwood youngster Alex Fasolo admits he faces a huge fight to keep his AFL finals berth, despite seizing the small chance he was given in his first taste.

The 19-year-old first-year forward was a late inclusion for last weekend's qualifying final win over West Coast, entering the game as a substitute with about 10 minutes to play and making a key contribution.

After the Eagles had surged to within seven points, Fasolo set up a goal for Luke Ball, then kicked another after the siren, as well as laying two tackles, to help seal victory.

Fasolo, who was initially dropped for the game, only found out when he arrived at the ground that he would be playing, with key backman Ben Reid a late withdrawal.

"It was probably a good thing, I wasn't up all night worrying about it, so it was good to finally get the nod from (coach) Mick (Malthouse)," he told AAP.

"I knew I was a chance, because I knew Reidy wasn't 100 per cent ready to go, but I didn't actually know until I came to the ground."

Even then, he faced a nervous wait, with Malthouse holding back his use of the substitute as long as possible, as there were injury queries over numerous Collingwood players.

"I didn't really mind, as long as I got on," Fasolo said.

"I knew it was a small opportunity and coming on late in the game, I only had a small window to do something, so I made the most of it."

But with Dale Thomas back from suspension for Friday night's preliminary final against Hawthorn and Reid also expected to return, at least two Magpies are set to lose their spots.

And as the least experienced member of the side that beat the Eagles, Fasolo is realistic enough to know that he is in danger.

"We've hopefully got Reidy back and hopefully Daisy will come back into the team, so that's a positive for us," he said.

"I'll just do everything I can (at training) to hopefully play."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP