> Watch defensive coach Mark Neeld address the media on Wednesday

COLLINGWOOD assistant coach Mark Neeld says the side is well placed to cover for the injured Scott Pendlebury in this week’s first semi-final against Adelaide.

Pendlebury will miss with a broken leg but Neeld said there were plenty of players putting their hand up for a promotion to the senior side.

“(Sharrod) Wellingham will come into contention. Marty Clarke played really well (in the VFL). Ryan Cook played well,” Neeld said.

“I think Danny Stanley had near on 40 possessions and kicked a few goals. He had more clearances in that game than anybody else so there’s a fistful.

"Brad Dick although not a midfielder, kicked five goals so he’ll have to come under consideration as well.”

Neeld said it was unlikely the Magpies would make many unforced changes to the side that was beaten by St Kilda.

“Everyone talks about processes and structures, well Mick has a history of being a horses for courses coach and it won’t change," Neeld said.

"If we believe as a match committee that certain players need to play against Adelaide because they suit their style or suit their match-ups that is the way we’ll go.

"We’ve got one certain out in Scott Pendlebury but I can’t see there being wholesale changes.”

Neeld said the selection policy could see another ruckman brought in to support Josh Fraser.

Cameron Wood is the most obvious candidate after impressing in recent weeks.

“We felt last week to go with one ruckman was what we wanted to do against St Kilda. We felt it was something that could have worked. Obviously it didn’t and we didn’t win the game,” he said.

“Cameron was a strong performer in the VFL but again I think each week... having two ruckman is always [a consideration].

Anthony Rocca did not train with the main group at the MCG on Wednesday morning but Neeld said he was still a chance to play this week despite injuring his ankle against the Saints.

“He won’t train with the whole group but that is not unusual," Neeld said.

"We played three days ago and it is not unusual early in the week to have players on individual programs and Anthony will be one of those.”