TRAVIS Cloke's own form is the only barrier preventing a return to Collingwood's senior team, says Magpies football boss Neil Balme, refuting talk the key forward’s time at Collingwood is nearing an end.

Cloke, 29, was dropped ahead of the ANZAC Day game against Essendon in round five after a lean start to the year.

Balme said the form of the incumbent forwards in the senior team had no impact on whether Cloke was selected.

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"He's been such a good player and he's got so much going for him, it's only a matter of his own form," Balme told SEN on Friday morning.

"He will pick himself, or he won't."

Cloke is expected to again line up in the reserves on Saturday against Williamstown at the Holden Centre.

He has kicked three goals in three games in the VFL.

"We've got to go back, and not so much retrain him, but just (figure out) … the simplicity of playing. All he's got to do is get that in his mind (and) he'll play next week," Balme said.