As the Pies head west for the Friday night match, it remains unclear whether Medhurst, who left Tuesday's training session early with a foot complaint, will take his place in the side.
Anthony has played in Collingwood's VFL team since being dropped after round two, but the forward was among an extended squad that flew out of Melbourne Airport on Thursday morning for the top-of-the-table clash.
Jaxson Barham also flew with the squad for what midfielder Luke Ball described as the “probably the biggest trip in footy at the moment”.
“They are really the form side of the competition and we know that on their home deck they become an even better side,” the former Saint said ahead of his 150th AFL match.
“It’s our first [interstate] trip of the year as well, and we’re really looking forward to the challenge.”
The Pies won’t determine the make-up of their 22 until after training on Thursday, with a couple of players needing to get through that hit-out unscathed to prove their fitness.
Sharrod Wellingham is believed to be one of those after he missed last week’s win over North Melbourne with soreness.
Josh Fraser also missed the win with a knee injury. While Cameron Wood was on deck at Melbourne Airport, Fraser wasn’t sighted, increasing suspicions he will spend another week on the sidelines.
However, the Magpies have plenty of midfield depth.
The inclusion of Ball and fellow recruit Darren Jolly has helped Mick Malthouse’s side storm to a 6-1 record.
Ball’s form, like his side’s, has been on the up in recent weeks, but the midfielder admitted he took some time to find his feet in the black and white.
“I think I’ve been slowly improving,” he said.
“After a slowish start [I’m] starting to build and starting to improve, along with the team. Hopefully that continues this week.”
Ball said coming to grips with a new environment and game plan was a factor for any player changing clubs, and while he said he was unsure if he had felt any pressure earlier in the season, he appreciated the unwavering support from Malthouse.
“The coaches certainly made it clear that no-one’s spot is sacred or no-one should take their spot for granted, and I think that’s a real positive for the footy club,” he said.
“Mick’s just been fantastic, and it’s fantastic to have the support of your senior coach … I think he probably understands that it can be a bit tough moving clubs, and he’s been really supportive of Darren (Jolly) and the other new guys as well.”
