The minutes are ticking down until Collingwood names its 25-man squad for Sunday’s clash with Port Adelaide.

Given that clubs that play on a Sunday must name extended squads, the Magpies will make a minimum of six inclusions on Thursday night.

What happens from there remains a mystery.

Travis Cloke’s destination for the weekend has been hotly debated all week, but he’s not the only player in consideration to make his return this week.

Collingwood Media examines the case for some of those who may be in line for a call up.

3. Brent Macaffer
Why: Adds experience to a young group (only five players on the current list were drafted prior to him). Is in good VFL form (has won between 22 and 28 disposals in each of his past four games).
Stat: Collected 26 disposals and laid six tackles in Collingwood’s last VFL match against Williamstown a fortnight ago.

6. Tyson Goldsack
Why: As with Macaffer, experience counts, and Goldsack (138 games) has plenty of it. Has played just one AFL match since July 2016, but performed well in the VFL last week.
Stat: Won 18 disposals and took six marks in his last match against Port Adelaide (round 19, 2014).

14. James Aish
Why: Classy mover who averages 17.5 disposals against the Power. Has not been seen at senior level since round seven.
Stat: Has won 22 and 24 disposals in his past two VFL outings, laying 13 tackles against Geelong three weeks ago.

17. Jonathon Marsh
Why: Quick, composed and leads by example in the VFL. Attacks the contest and has prior AFL experience (played the final five games of 2015).
Stat: Averaging 14.2 disposals in the VFL this year, and kicked at 87.5% against Williamstown a fortnight ago.

21. Tom Phillips
Why: A selection smoky, given his youth (yet to play a senior game) but has been an emergency on several occasions already this season. Has a nice left foot kick and is composed in heavy traffic.
Stat: Won 20 disposals and laid six tackles while playing for Port Melbourne against Collingwood in round 20 last year.

26. Marley Williams
Why: Has been a member of Collingwood’s first-choice team since midway through 2013. Averages 16.6 disposals from three games against the Power.
Stat: Won 13 disposals and three rebounds in his VFL return a fortnight ago.

27. Matthew Goodyear
Why: Consistent form for weeks on end in the VFL has meant he has been in the frame ever since making his debut against the Saints in round three. Can fill a role in the midfield or on the wings.
Stat: Averaging 23.8 disposals in the VFL, compared with his 13.9 last year.

28. Ben Sinclair
Why: Has slotted straight into the senior side when at full fitness since 2012. His pace makes him an important part of the back six, and his ability to negate means he is highly valued by his teammates.
Stat: Has not played more than six games in a single season since 2013 (when he played 15).

32. Travis Cloke
Why: Every man and his dog has had his say on Cloke, but the fact remains that he has a part of Collingwood’s first choice team since 2007. His VFL form has built steadily in recent weeks, peaking with four goals against Williamstown a fortnight ago.
Stat: Has kicked 23 goals from 13 games against Port Adelaide since 2005.