COLLINGWOOD defender Darcy Moore remains unlikely to return from a hamstring injury in time for Saturday night's crucial semi-final against Greater Western Sydney.

However, another strong session on Thursday has put the 22-year-old in the frame to feature again this year should the Pies progress deeper into September.

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Moore was one of the standouts in Thursday's match simulation drills, lining up in his new position at centre half-back and playing at high intensity throughout an impressive hit-out.

However, he has played just seven games all season due to a series of injury issues, with his latest hamstring setback forcing him to be sidelined since round 20.

Speaking after training, coach Nathan Buckley said he was unsure if Moore would be available for selection, but said a number of factors would go into the club's final decision.

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"He trained well today, but the challenge is the capacity to play a full game," Buckley said.

"The 20 minutes of match practice today, he looked excellent. But we have to rely on our doctors and our medicos as to whether we think he can get through a full game.

"Once that's ticked off, then we've got to work out whether he's in the best mix for our 22 given the opposition. Clearly the boys that have got their hands up are playing pretty well in the side already."

The timely return of defensive duo Tyson Goldsack and Jeremy Howe for last week's qualifying final against West Coast has given Buckley the chance to be patient with Moore.

The returning pair look the most likely opponents for Giants forwards Jeremy Cameron and Harry Himmelberg, with a natural match-up for Moore perhaps hard to find.

However, Buckley is confident his young defender will give himself the best possible chance to play again this season, providing the Pies account for the Giants this weekend.

"He's actually moving progressively better," Buckley said.

"He trained really well today, there's no doubt about it, he's progressed gradually as we've gone along.

"He wasn't ready last week, but he continues to put a block of training together that puts him thereabouts."