COLLINGWOOD still has doubts over the condition of Dale Thomas’ knee ahead of Saturday night’s clash with the Sydney Swans.

Thomas injured his knee in Adelaide on Friday night in Collingwood’s clash with Port Adelaide, and he didn't train on Wednesday.

The Pies are hoping he will be able to train on Friday and prove his fitness for the clash that could lock Collingwood into the top eight, and even – depending on other results – propel it towards the top four.

Dane Swan, one of the midfielders charged with getting the ball to Thomas and his fellow forwards, said he hoped the 21-year-old would be fit to play.

"He's just got a bit of bruising behind the knee, and I think the club said they'd train him Friday and see how he goes.

"So he's certainly still in the mix."

Swan dismissed any idea that Thomas would be rested in the run in to the finals.

"Well, we need to win to make sure we play finals, so if he's right there's no point holding him back.

"If he's ready to play, he'd definitely be putting his hand up."

Rhyce Shaw has sat out his club-imposed suspension and is available for selection, and Swan said he was looking good at training.

"He's served his two weeks, and he trained pretty strongly today.

"His leadership and voice around the club has been awesome. We miss his voice during the games, and obviously his great run – he's one of those players who breaks the lines for us, so I'm assuming he's available for selection.

"Depending on which way the match committee go, yeah, he's ready."