An ever-improving list is allowing Collingwood to overcome the setback brought about by Steele Sidebottom’s broken thumb.

While disappointed by the loss of Sidebottom, Magpies Director of Football Neil Balme believes the club should be encouraged by both players returning from injury and a strong depth in the squad.

“Despite one or two injury setbacks, the health of the list is improving overall,” Balme told CollingwoodTV’s Blackmores Injury Update.

“We’re quite happy with it, and we should have a strong side to take on the Crows.”

Several fresh and reinvigorated players will put their hand up for Saturday’s clash with Adelaide. Key talls Ben Reid and Jarrod Witts available for selection while Matthew Scharenberg and Clinton Young in full training and set to return in the coming weeks.

“Ben Reid and Jarrod Witts are both available to play this weekend. It’ll be interesting to see where they play,” Balme said.

“Matt Scharenberg is doing very well. He’s now in full training. He’ll probably be a couple of weeks before he actually plays but he’s ready to go.

“The good news too is that Clinton Young is in the same boat. He’s pretty well overcome those hamstring problems. He’s about to resume full training and will play very soon.”

The fitness of Witts and the form of Brodie Grundy against Brisbane (13 disposals, 31 hit-outs) equal a powerful ruck combination that provided a strength for Collingwood at many stages in 2014.

Grundy played a lone hand in quelling the influence of Brisbane giants Stefan Martin and Matthew Leuenberger during last week’s 12-point win over the Lions.

However the potential addition of Witts, plus Reid in defence, gives the selectors a chance to add valuable tall timber to the side.

The longer-term focuses of the sides injury list surrounds the health of Levi Greenwood and Brent Macaffer.

“(Greenwood) has a fractured tibia so he’ll be a while yet. He hasn’t been able to do all that much in the rehab yet, he’s just recovering,” said Balme.

“Macaffer is still on the long term list. We’re pretty confident and positive with what we’re doing but he’s taking a while.”

Potential additions to Collingwood’s round three side will have a chance to present their case for selection on Thursday, when the club will hold an opening training session at Olympic Park.