EXCITING Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott booted five goals in a VFL practice match against North Ballarat on Saturday to put his name forward for selection in the senior team for round four. 

Elliott, 24, spent most of his time in the forward line, with some stints pushing higher up the ground. 

On a windy day at the Holden Centre, Elliott kicked two goals in each of the first and last quarters, and one in the third. 

The flair Elliott has shown throughout his career was on display. He took a speccy early in the match to show the ankle injury that has kept him sidelined was no longer an issue. He finished with 5.1 and was able to play the entire game.

The small forward had his 2016 ruined by back surgery. He played a third of the JLT Community Series match against Essendon in February but injured his left ankle at training the following week and was sidelined until Saturday. 

VFL Magpies assistant coach Brad Gotch was impressed with Elliott's display.

"The way he moved (he) looked really sharp and confident in himself, and that was the most important thing, to get through today," Gotch said. 

"We've seen those signs on the training track in the last week or two but we didn't want to risk him in the big (AFL) game first up. He's done enough to suggest that he's in good form." 

Elliott had kicked at least 30 goals in each of the three seasons prior to 2016.

Gotch said there were no lingering concerns around Elliott's fitness.

"He said he feels pretty good. I just had a quick chat to him … and he's pulled up really well," he said. 

Collingwood faces St Kilda at Etihad Stadium next Sunday. The Magpies beat Sydney by a point on Friday night and sit 1-2.