TRAVIS Cloke advanced his case for a senior return in Collingwood's VFL win over the Northern Blues on Saturday but the spearhead's performance was solid rather than brilliant, requesting rather than demanding a recall.

Playing his second consecutive VFL game after being dropped for the Magpies' Anzac Day clash against Essendon, Cloke was far more influential than he had been in the Pies' heavy loss to the Bombers' VFL team six days earlier.

Although he finished with just one goal, Cloke gave the Magpies a strong focal point all day against the Northern Blues, contesting hard inside the Pies' forward 50 despite being double-teamed in most marking contests.

The spearhead also kicked four behinds in Collingwood's nine-point win, although none of the misses were 'gimmes'.

Cloke also worked hard up the ground to give his defenders an outlet, marked cleanly on the lead and competed hard when he took an occasional turn in the ruck.

Manned by veteran Carlton defender Michael Jamison in the first term, Cloke kicked the game's opening goal when he accepted a handball and converted from close range.

The spearhead missed two tough set shots after marking on the lead, but had a hand in two of the Pies' remaining three goals for the first term, setting up a Ben Crocker goal with a long barrel from defence and then squeezing a hurried kick forward that ended in a Jordan Collopy major.

Cloke had an influential third term despite going goalless. He kicked two behinds – one a clever snap that went through the big sticks but was touched off the boot – and earned a free kick 20m out directly in front of goal when he was held in a marking contest.

The two-time All Australian never got to take his kick because the Pies took the advantage when the ball spilled towards goal and converted.

Cloke showed he still has some spring in his 29-year-old heels early in the final quarter when he soared to take a vintage pack mark at half-back.

The premiership forward's chances of a recall will obviously depend on how the Magpies' forward line functions against West Coast at Domain Stadium on Sunday.

American Mason Cox replaced Cloke on Anzac Day and made a promising debut with one goal from 10 disposals.

However, the 211cm former basketballer will likely need to back that performance up against the Eagles to keep Cloke out of the team in the Pies' round seven clash against Carlton.