COLLINGWOOD expects gun midfielder Scott Pendlebury to be available to tackle St Kilda in Sunday's qualifying final.

Pendlebury, a late withdrawal last weekend with back spasms, appeared to move freely in the early stages of Collingwood's Thursday morning training session at the MCG.

The media was only allowed to watch the first 15 minutes of the session so the Pies could have some privacy to try out tactics ahead of their clash with the Saints.

Ruckman Josh Fraser said he was confident Pendlebury would be ready to come into the side after missing last week’s loss to the Western Bulldogs.

“I think the way he conducts himself, in terms of his professionalism and rehab, he’ll be giving himself every chance to play.” Fraser said before training.

“I would say he’s probably more likely to get through training [and play] than not.”

Team selection will be a big issue for coach Mick Malthouse this week as his team tries to bring down the minor premiers for just the third time this year.

Earlier this week Malthouse ran off a long list of names and scenarios he would weigh up before settling on his 22.

One of those was whether or not to play two specialist ruckmen or to let Fraser, the club’s No.1 choice, go it alone.

“It’s really what’s best for the team,” Fraser said when asked of his preference.

“There’s still a little bit of time left before they have to be set on the side … personally I’m happy to ruck with Woody (Cameron Wood) or ruck with Browny (Leigh Brown), as long as I’m out there.”

Another decision must be made on the long-running debate over Anthony Rocca’s potential inclusion.

While opinions – at least externally – seem divided on whether to include the 32-year-old in the finals, Fraser is adamant his teammate could prove a valuable weapon.

“At some stage I’d like to see him play,” he said.

“He gives the boys a lift [even] when he’s training; he’s just that sort of infectious character. The players love him and he’s been a real stalwart of the footy club.

“Sometimes it’s too easy to forget the quality player that he has been and still is, and he could come in and make a big impact if that’s the way that Mick decides to go.”