COLLINGWOOD could welcome back three key players for its clash with North Melbourne at Docklands on Friday night.

Half-forward Alan Didak (calf) and utility Heath Shaw (hamstring) trained on Tuesday morning but will need to get through Thursday's session before being selected.

Captain Nick Maxwell is also set to resume after serving a two-week suspension for rough conduct.

Didak, a late withdrawal from the side that lost to Essendon on Anzac Day, was monitored by fitness staff as he did some run-throughs at Gosch's Paddock before his teammates joined him.

He appeared to move freely but Maxwell confirmed the left-footer still had at least one box to tick before earning a recall.

"Dids has got to get through training on Thursday … [he] did a smaller session but didn’t do the full session," he said from the Lexus Centre on Tuesday afternoon.

Shaw has missed two matches after injuring his right hamstring against Geelong in round three.

"He’s got to get through training, but he’d be more chance of playing than not playing," Maxwell said.

Another welcome addition to the Magpies' backline, Maxwell said his own fortnight on the outer had been tough.

"Being captain, it's hard sitting on the sidelines, particularly when it’s your own fault," he said.

"Friday night can’t come quick enough."

Maxwell added that the side was also looking for a boost from Travis Cloke and acknowledged the challenges of a key forward post for a younger player.

He backed the 22-year-old to regain his best form.

"Obviously he’s not going as well as he ever has gone," Maxwell said.

"He has to sort of lift his game a little bit but he’s working on that.

"He couldn’t be working any harder. He’s working hard in games and it’ll turn for him.

"We know it’s going to turn for him because of his work rate."