Nathan Buckley was impressed with the 2012 club champion's return to football in the VFL on Saturday against Box Hill and said he would be a strong chance if he pulls up well from training.
"He is a player who comes to hand quite quickly physically," Buckley said.
"Depending on how he has pulled up. He got through training today. If he pulls up well from that he will be under strong consideration."
Beams has not played all season after injuring his quad just before round one. He then had a setback mid-season but has shown good signs in the past month.
Buckley said that if he played, it would be the first time since round two, 2012, the Magpies midfield would have Beams, Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury and Luke Ball in the team together.
Ball plays his 200th game on Friday night and Steele Sidebottom celebrates his 100th.
Another possible inclusion is key defender Lachlan Keeffe, who is in contention after stringing several games together in the VFL.
Keeffe has not played senior football since injuring his knee in round nine last season and having a knee reconstruction.
He has played just 14 games but been involved in 12 wins since making his debut in round 16, 2011 and had shown his ability before injury struck.
Despite all the focus on O'Brien, Buckley is well aware of the opponent that lies ahead and how to ensure the team maintains its drive.
"(It's) sometimes like riding a bike. You've just got to keep moving," Buckley said.
