Swan was close to returning against West Coast last round but the Magpies decided not to roll the dice with the Brownlow medallist, who has battled plantar fasciitis.

 

He will return against the Lions in a must-win game for the Magpies, who are ninth on the ladder, trailing eighth-placed Essendon on percentage.

 

"Dane Swan will be available," director of football Rodney Eade told collingwoodfc.com.au.

 

"He was close to selection last week but we felt that he needed another week’s training.

 

"He feels significantly better and he’ll be available for selection this week."

 

Meanwhile, first-year forward Jonathon Marsh tore his hamstring tendon off the bone in the VFL at the weekend and won't play again this season.

 

The young West Australian, who has played well in defence this season, will have surgery this week.

 

"It will be a 12-week recovery," Eade said.  

 

"He’ll have that operation and should be right for the start of pre-season."